As a digital creator, I work with a universal, non-verbal language every single day: color. It directs the eye, sets a mood, and can even influence decisions. But for me, this language has a unique dialect, because I’m colorblind. It’s a misleading term in english, really. We don’t see a world without color; we just perceive it differently, speaking my own unique dialect of this visual language.
My relationship with color isn’t based on perfect perception of every hue. It can’t be. Instead, I’ve had to learn color on a deeper, more strategic level—not just by how it looks, but by what it does and what it means. This has forced me to understand its psychology, and it’s become one of the most powerful tools in my kit.
Color as a Non-Verbal Language
Before a user reads a single word, they feel the impact of your color palette. It’s an instant emotional handshake. A bright, vibrant palette can scream “energy and fun,” while a muted, dark one can whisper “sophistication and luxury.” For me, understanding this is critical. I can’t just pick a “pretty” shade; I have to pick the shade that communicates the right message, relying on its established cultural and psychological associations.
The Psychology of Key Colors
While my eyes might struggle to distinguish certain shades, I’ve learned the function and feel of the foundational colors in design:
- Red: The color of passion, energy, and urgency. In UI, it’s the universal signal for “stop,” “error,” or an urgent call to action like “Buy Now.” I don’t need to see the perfect crimson to understand its power to grab attention.
- Blue: Represents trust, security, and calm. It’s no accident that so many banks, tech companies, and healthcare providers use it. It builds confidence and feels dependable. For me, blue is a color of stability and reliability.
- Green: The color of nature, growth, and harmony. In interfaces, it’s often used for “success,” “go,” or to indicate something positive. It’s a reassuring, affirmative signal for the user.
- Yellow: Evokes optimism, youth, and warmth. It’s great for grabbing attention in a less aggressive way than red, often used for highlights or secondary calls-to-action.
How to Build a Brand Palette (The Colorblind Way)
When I build a color palette, my focus goes beyond the hue. I have to prioritize things that every user, regardless of their vision, can perceive clearly.
- Contrast is King: Strong contrast between text and background isn’t just a preference; it’s an accessibility requirement. I use tools to check the contrast ratio to ensure readability for everyone.
- Think in Tints and Shades: I rely heavily on value (how light or dark a color is). A monochromatic palette, using different shades of the same color, can be incredibly effective and is almost guaranteed to be harmonious and accessible.
- The 60-30-10 Rule: This classic design rule is my best friend. 60% of your space is a dominant, neutral color; 30% is a secondary color; and 10% is an accent color for key elements. It creates balance and guides the user’s eye effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see is relying solely on color to convey information. For example, marking required fields in a form with only a red asterisk, or showing success and error messages using only green and red text. Without a corresponding icon, bold text, or a clear message, you’re excluding a significant portion of your audience. Information must always be reinforced by more than just a color cue.
For a colorblind designer, understanding the why behind a color is more important than seeing it perfectly. It’s about building systems that communicate clearly to everyone, and that’s a principle that makes for better design, no matter how you see the world.
