Trends: New Colors (we’re looking at you, #00A0D1)
If there’s one thing that’s been stagnant in the design community, it’s the originality with colors. Sixty percent of the applications on my homescreen are one color. Blue. I understand the color theory behind blue, but come on, guys. Not every color is going to work; that’s a fact. But there’s no harm in experimenting and stepping out of the norm.
So, talk is cheap, but what are the dominant colors that can replace blue with little risk of be rejected by users? Makes sense reject all the psychology, color theory and guarantee behind the blue?
This is not a problem when we do a simple blog, however think about a big application or social network. The dominant color scheme is a main issue. Also, think about color blindness.
Answer
The author of that article is confusing the application of personal color preference with designing to appeal to others. Clearly, the author dislikes blue and wants more variety. The problem is that blue will be used because of the unconscious benefits it provides to the site, regardless of the designer's personal preference.
There is a lot of academic and scientific research behind color theory and psychology. I'll only provide a few links, but you can spend a lifetime researching the topic. Here's a summary of the science, though:
Applying color principles fosters desired audience response.
Emotional responses influence color considerations, and differences in color value and intensity can evoke very different emotional reactions. Light red is associated with cheerfulness, but bright or dark red can induce irritability. Light yellow-green is associated with freshness and youth, but the darker shade olive is associated with drabness and decay. Light sky blue is associated with tranquility, but the deeper value indigo is associated with depression.
- Red: urgency, passion, heat, love, blood, excitement, strength, sex, passion, speed, danger
- Yellow: warmth, sunshine, cheer, happiness, cowardice, brightness
- Blue: truth, dignity, power, coolness, melancholy, heaviness, trust, reliability, belonging, coolness
- Orange: playfulness, warmth, vibrant
- Green: nature, health, cheerfulness, environment, money, vegetation, nature, fresh, cool, growth, abundance
- Purple: wealth, royalty, sophistication, intelligence, royal, spirituality, dignity
- Pink: soft, sweet, nurture, security
- Black: sophistication, elegant, seductive, mystery, death, rebellion, strength, evil
- White: purity, cleanliness, lightness, emptiness, pure, virginal, clean, youthful, mild
Gold: prestige, expensive
Silver: prestige, cold, scientific
(Taken from http://www.creativebehavior.com/www.ergogero.com/FAQ/Part5/2Meaning.html, no longer available)
On the subject of blue:
Blue is ubiquitous as the color of choice for most sites commercial and professional. In the western world, dark blue is so strongly associated with strength and security that it is no surprise it is the color most favored by men. In Europe there are several religious associations with blue, but overall blue is considered the safest color to use worldwide when designing a Web site.
Business World
Blue is the color of the corporate world. When you see the deep rich blue, you know that you have found a Web site for a business that is trustworthy, secure and, I would add, in control.
Almost every Web site for banks in the United States either uses this blue as the primary color or sole color for its logo and Web site sending the message that yes, we will keep your money safe.
Professional
As do banks, most professional firms also use this blue. Accounting, law firms and commercial businesses tell you they are worthy of your trust and your business by using deep blue.
(Taken from http://www.masseynet.com/m-color-blue.html)
A good designer will use colors for a particular purpose and not based on personal preference. If, however, your site it dedicated to you, then by all means, use your personal preference. If your site needs to instill trust, use blue. If you need romance, use red.
Further reading:
http://zacjohnson.com/the-emotions-of-color-in-marketing/
https://99designs.com/blog/tips/the-7-step-guide-to-understanding-color-theory/
https://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory
https://www.bloggingbook.net/improve-blog/
http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-design/basic-color-theory
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_theory
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