Design Playground - Color

Design color with purpose.

Color can create mood, organize information, and guide attention. A strong palette helps viewers understand what matters first.

Start the Project
COMM 101
Digital Media

Emotion

Warm colors often feel active. Cool colors often feel calm.

Contrast

Text must be easy to read against the background.

Hierarchy

Accent colors should guide the eye, not decorate everything.

Current Palette

Background
Text
Primary
Secondary
Accent

Ask: which color dominates, which supports, and which creates emphasis?

Contrast Checker

-- — adjust colors to test readability.
AA Normal text (4.5:1)—
AA Large text (3:1)—
AAA Enhanced (7:1)—

Checks body text color against background. WCAG AA is the legal minimum for most websites.

Student Questions

  • What mood does this palette create?
  • Is the accent color being used too much or just enough?
  • Can you read the body text comfortably?
  • Which color do you notice first?
  • Would this palette work better for sports, wellness, news, or luxury branding?

Design Reminder

60–30–10 Rule

Use one dominant color, one supporting color, and one accent color. Beginners usually improve their designs by using fewer colors, not more.