Using Colour Theory in Online Course Design

When designing courses, we are usually restricted by the client’s corporate colours and brand, resulting in somewhat dull experiences. So, does neglecting colour theory in our design process affect the learning experience?

Let’s explore the world of colour theory and its potential to transform courses from plain to captivating, supported by some popular theories and research.

Understanding the Science of Colour

Let’s begin by discussing an influential figure in colour theory, Johannes Itten. This Swiss expressionist painter and Bauhaus school teacher developed the colour wheel and contrasts that are still relevant today. Itten’s theory proposes that specific colour combinations are harmonious and can establish balance and order, which is desirable in our e-learning courses.

However, it’s not just about aesthetics. The psychology of colour runs deeper than this and can significantly impact learning. Let’s explore this further:

Blue: The Focus Facilitator

There’s a belief that wearing blue on an exam day can enhance performance, and a study by Mehta and Zhu (2009) found that blue environments improve performance on creative tasks. Incorporating blue may encourage learners to think outside the box, especially on tasks where the learner is asked to produce something or is being assessed.

Green: The Concentration Booster

Research by Lichtenfeld et al. (2012) suggests that exposure to the colour green before a task could enhance creativity and motivation. Adding some green elements to your course might be beneficial. I’m not saying we should change our background slides to meadows reminiscent of Windows XP or the Teletubbies field (they do look similar), but a splash of green won’t go amiss.

Red: The Attention Grabber

Red is not only attention-grabbing but has been scientifically proven to enhance performance on detail-oriented tasks. Red does usually denote danger or stop, and we have become accustomed to such. Use it sparingly to emphasise critical points or warnings in your course; don’t use it like a red flag for a bull.

Yellow: The Memory Enhancer

Warm colours, mainly yellow, have been suggested to improve memory performance (Dzulkifli and Mustafar, 2013). Let’s use yellow to highlight essential information for better retention.

The Disney Colour Magic

The idea that Disney uses colour psychology in its animations and theme parks is not just a rumour. In her book “If It’s Purple, Someone’s Gonna Die: The Power of Color in Visual Storytelling,” Patti Bellantoni (2005) discusses how Disney uses colour to enhance storytelling and evoke emotions. For instance, deep purples and greens in the villain’s scenes create an ominous atmosphere.

However, while colour can influence mood and perception, the notion that it directly leads to increased sales is more of a marketing myth than a scientific fact. Colour is just one component of Disney’s comprehensive design and marketing strategy; other factors are at play.

Applying Colour Theory: From Theory to Practice

So, how can we implement these theories in practical course design without littering every course element with colours? Here are some evidence-based strategies we could adopt:

1. Use Colour Coding: A study by Kumi et al. (2013) found that colour-coded instructional materials can enhance learners’ performance. Try using consistent colours for different content or activities in your course.

2. Consider Contrast: The principle of figure-ground contrast, as explained by Gestalt psychology, suggests that items that stand out from their background are more likely to be noticed and remembered (Bradley, 2014). Use this to make important information stand out.

3. Cultural Context Matters: Colour perceptions can vary across cultures. A comprehensive study by Madden et al. (2000) examined colour meanings across eight cultures, highlighting the importance of understanding your audience.

4. Less is More: Sweller’s cognitive load theory (1988) suggests that our working memory has limited capacity. While this article encourages the use of colours, it’s important not to overwhelm learners with an excessive variety of colours. Stick to a limited, consistent colour palette throughout your course.

Bringing It All Together: Final tips tp refine your e-learning colour palette

Set the Mood: Use cooler colours like blue and green for content-heavy sections to promote focus and calm. Switch to warmer tones like yellow and orange for interactive elements to boost engagement.

Highlight Wisely: Use contrasting colours to make key information stand out, but remember the principle of selective attention (Yantis and Egeth, 1999) – if everything is highlighted, nothing is highlighted!

Accessibility Matters: Ensure enough contrast between text and background colours. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) provide specific ratios to aim for.

Test and Iterate: Every audience is unique. Feel free to A/B test different colour schemes and gather feedback from your learners.

Remember, using colour theory in your course design isn’t about creating a psychedelic wonderland like the front cover of a Stone Roses album or a 90s tie-dye t-shirt. It’s about thoughtfully and strategically using colour to enhance the learning experience. So go ahead and paint your e-learning masterpiece – just don’t forget to clean your brushes!