QUESTION
Are there certain colors that are better to use when designing a website?
We're working on redesigning our website. We want it to be creative and reflect our store, but we're not sure about what colors to work with. Are there certain colors that are better to use, or colors to avoid?
ANSWER
by William Pfarrer
The technical answer is no. Years ago when the majority of computers used an 8-bit graphics card, web developers suggested a list of 216 web-safe colors as a web standard. The 216 cross-browser color palette was created to ensure that all computers would display the colors correctly when running a 256-color palette. Most computers today have the ability to display millions of colors, so unless you are designing your website to be displayed exclusively on a PDA or cell phone, the choice of colors is left to you.
On the creative side, your choice of colors can determine the readability and attractiveness of your website as well as the overall impression visitors will get when they visit. Earthy browns, russet reds and golds will give a warm, country feel; blues, greys and whites impart a more business look; and bright blues, yellows and greens present a fun, whimsical look. There are many websites devoted to web color combinations and how to choose them. Here are two that provide good information:
Jesset.com
Newark1.com
Just because you can use many different colors, though, doesn’t mean you should. Above all else, readers want websites to be simple to read and easy to comprehend. A limited number of colors will serve that purpose better than a wide range of varying hues. And remember, a limited color palette doesn’t necessarily mean limited creativity.
William Pfarrer is the Director of Technology Services for Country Sampler Group, publishers of Country Business magazine. He has 20 plus years of experience in the computer industry and specializes in database design.