5 Steps to Create a Cohesive UI Color Palette

5 Steps to Create a Cohesive UI Color Palette

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Understanding UI Color Palettes
3. Finding a Starting Point
4. Choosing Supporting Colors
5. Creating Shades
6. Selecting Neutrals
7. Testing and Tweaking
8. Using the Color Palette in UI Designs
9. Digging Deeper into Colors
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will Delve into the process of creating a UI color palette for your designs. As a product designer, I have developed a specific and efficient process that I use every time I need to make a UI color palette. It has proven to be effective and works consistently. I will guide you through the five essential steps of this process and provide additional tips along the way.

Understanding UI Color Palettes

Before we start, let's briefly discuss the categories of colors typically found in UI color palettes. It is essential to understand these categories to Create a balanced and Cohesive color scheme for your user interface design.

Finding a Starting Point

Step one of building a color palette is finding a starting point. Typically, your brand color serves as the starting point, as it is essential and unlikely to change. If you do not have a brand color, you will need to choose a suitable middle color as your starting point. This color will determine the shades that will be Based on it.

Choosing Supporting Colors

Step two involves selecting supporting colors. These colors are used in specific places within the interface to draw Attention or communicate information to the user. Examples include success messages, warnings, dangerous situations, and neutral informational messages. Supporting colors need to complement your brand color and should have similar saturation and brightness values.

Creating Shades

In step three, we will create a range of shades for each color category in our palette. Typically, we will need more than just dark, medium, and light shades. A range of five to ten shades provides flexibility and allows for various applications within the UI. To create these shades, we will follow a systematic process using the Color Picker and the concept of an arc.

Selecting Neutrals

Step four focuses on selecting neutral colors, such as various shades of gray. Neutrals are used for elements like text, backgrounds, and border colors, making up a significant portion of the UI. Following the same process as with the other colors, we will create a Scale of neutrals that complements the rest of the palette.

Testing and Tweaking

In the fifth and final step, we will test the color palette to ensure it is visually balanced and cohesive. By placing all the scales in a row and examining the range from light to dark, we can identify any irregularities and make necessary adjustments. It is crucial to test the colors within the Context of your specific design to ensure they work well together and meet accessibility guidelines.

Using the Color Palette in UI Designs

Once the color palette is finalized, it is time to start using it in your UI designs. It is essential to consider factors such as color options needed, aesthetic appeal, coherence, and color contrast. Using design tools and color contrast checkers can help in this process, but ultimately, trust your eyes and make any needed tweaks to achieve a visually pleasing and functional UI design.

Digging Deeper into Colors

For those interested in delving deeper into the world of colors, we offer a product designer's Field Guide for Colors. This comprehensive guide provides resources for color inspiration, recommendations for tools to automate shading processes and check color contrast for accessibility, tutorials, and more. Visit uxtools.co/shop/color to access the guide and expand your knowledge on color usage in UI design.

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a UI color palette involves several important steps, from finding a starting point to testing and tweaking the colors. By following a systematic process and ensuring coherence and balance, You can develop an effective and visually pleasing color scheme for your UI designs. Remember to trust your eyes and make adjustments as needed. With a well-designed color palette, your UI will have a cohesive and visually appealing look that enhances the user experience.