Just why do we respond in the same way to certain colours? This is not entirely due to exposure to their use in familiar ways, some part comes from deep inside and a large part of this is what is taught to us as children about the meaning of colour.

As a designer Blue is the most frequently requested colour theme for a website. Which started me wondering why this was the case?

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So what does the colour blue indicate?

Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated with tranquillity and peace. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolise piety and sincerity.

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Blue in Web Design

Why is blue is the most frequently used base colour for a web design?

It is a masculine colour and according to studies, it is highly accepted amongst males. Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise, and stability; it is the preferred colour for corporate America, as clearly demonstrated in the examples below.

Blue is used to promote products and services related to cleanliness (water purification filters, cleaning liquids, vodka), air and sky (airlines, airports, air conditioners), water and sea (sea voyages, mineral water).

As opposed to the emotionally warm colours like red, orange, and yellow; blue is linked to consciousness and intellect. The use of blue to suggest precision when promoting high-tech products is fairly common.

Try to avoid using blue when promoting food and cooking, because blue suppresses appetite. So it would be perfect for a dieting themed site or product.

When used together with warm colours like yellow or red, blue can create high-impact, vibrant designs; for example, blue-yellow-red is a perfect colour scheme for a superhero such as Superman or the X-Men characters.

Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquillity, understanding, and softness.
Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and seriousness.

Alex Swanson

Chirp

Design Attik

Dream Homes

Fuel

Gist

Maryland

Site Cape

Storyphix

Trent Cruising

Zoo Loo

I hope this will have provided you with some understanding as to why designers’ clients always seem to ask for blue.

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