What would life be like without color? One may have to imagine a dull and banal image to understand the importance of colors in our day to day life. And it’s not just the lack of hue one would have to contend with because color does more than add beauty.
Traffic lights and red danger marks readily comes to mind. But these are very basic. It is intriguing the massive role that color plays in communication every day and we may not be aware of it.
The choice of color is, therefore, very important in our environment and in most human settings. In fact, the effect colors have on humans is being harnessed to treat certain conditions through a procedure known as chromotherapy.
Likewise, color can be used to influence the mood and productivity of eLearning participants. The choice of color is a part of the broader aspect of eLearning design known as eLearning art.
Colors are important for eLearning art
It does matter the color used for the background, elements, and other images in an eLearning module. As you will see later on, there are colors that are scientifically proven to motivate the learner in very specific ways.
When used rightly, colors combinations can help the learner stay focused during an eLearning program and ultimately to achieve the learning objectives.
Poor colors for eLearning art, on the other hand, can be distracting, annoying, and depressing and can ruin the experience for the learner.
Here are some interesting points to keep in mind when choosing colors for your eLearning art.
Use Green for Concentration
Green—the color of life—is often associated with balance and calmness. Scientifically, it has a low wavelength which promotes focus and efficiency.
In eLearning design, green can be used to boost the concentration levels of learners especially in modules that emphasize clarity and where learners need to avoid errors.
Green is also proven to have restorative properties, so it is a good practice to include green in the eLearning art for modules that you sense would be exhausting.
Build Enthusiasm with Orange
Orange—the color of the sunset—is associated with pleasure and enthusiasm. This is the perfect color to brighten the mood of your learners. When used for eLearning courses, orange-colored arts can be used to ease learners into new modules or new learning activities.
Foster Productivity with Blue
Blue is often used in corporate settings and academic circles because of its ties to productivity. The eLearning designer can also apply blue to help learners achieve more.
Blue-colored eLearning art is also important because the color triggers motivation for knowledge and communication.
While these specific color tips are very useful, it is important to control the general combination of colors used throughout the eLearning.
Monochromic colors though effective for singular ideas can get boring while warm enthusiastic colors can overstimulate the learner and hinder focus.
