Role of Color

Introduction

When properly used color should draw attention to the important terms or concepts in your presentation. They can also create emotion. Color should be consistently used throughout the design of the visuals to achieve these goals.

Learners and audiences are more attracted to colors and may find presentations without color to be boring. In fact, some people keep their presentations fresh by updating the colors they use on a regular basis. While the use of color should always support the message of your presentation, there’s no requirement that you have to use the same set of colors year in and year out. You can also change the shades of your colors. Blue can still mean “business” and green can still evoke images of growth and success, but you may find that they may appear in slightly more up-to-date shades and tints.

One disadvantage of using color is that individuals who are color-blind may miss out on some information in certain colors. Using certain shades, and using them consistently, can eliminate this problem.

Useful Suggestions for Using Color

• Be consistent with the use of colors
• Use color to indicate a difference or change. Do not "waste" information by using unnecessary colors. Each different color should signify something different, and something important.
• Try to keep color use to a minimum. Color-code your information if you can, but don't use too many different colors.
• Make sure that there is a good contrast between the background and the color of the text to allow the learner to read the text easily.
• Use color for clarity and emphasis, not for decoration.

The Psychology of Colors

It may also be useful to apply some color psychology when choosing which colors to use.  Basic internet research uncovers a whole host of analysis on the meanings of different colors.

Something else to consider is that on flip charts, blue, black, and green inks have the best visibility. People say that blue is the most pleasing color to view. Red comes in second, even though it is not the most visible. But too much red can be too strong. Avoid using purple, yellow, pink, and brown, which can be more difficult to see.

When creating graphs, bright colors will bring focus to a small graph while subtle colors will keep a large graph from overwhelming the audience.