Harnessing the 60-30-10 Colour Rule for Web Design Mastery
Elwyn Davies discusses the 60-30-10 colour rule in web design.
Let's peel back the curtain on a simple and transformative concept—the 60-30-10 colour rule in web design.
The sheer spectrum of colours at your disposal is both exhilarating and overwhelming. That's where the 60-30-10 colour rule comes into play, a guideline I've leaned on more times than I can count. When we get it right, we can create harmony and balance in a digital space where every pixel counts.
This rule is like your design compass, guiding you through the vast ocean of colour choices to find that sweet spot—where contrast, balance, and visual appeal meet. Imagine designing a webpage where 60% is a calming sea of one colour, setting the stage. Then, add a splash of another colour for 30% of the page to complement and enhance, not compete. The final 10%? That's your beacon, a vibrant hue that calls out the most important actions. But here's the twist: this isn't a rule as much as it is a starting point, a way to scaffold your creativity as you tailor each design to its unique digital narrative.
"Using the 60-30-10 rule is a simple, effective way of striking a colour and contrast balance in web design." - Elwyn Davies
Navigating the 60% Foundation
The foundational 60% in web design is crucial, often characterized by using whites or light neutrals. This strategic choice serves a dual purpose: establishing a clean and coherent background that enhances content visibility while avoiding visual competition. This base layer adapts to deeper shades like charcoal or black for dark mode designs, offering a modern twist to the traditional palette. This design choice is about leveraging the background for content enhancement, ensuring the primary focus remains on the user interface and its message.
Exploring the 30% Contrast
Moving beyond the foundational 60%, the next layer involves the introduction of a secondary colour, making up 30% of the design’s colour scheme. This segment is where the design’s personality begins to shine through the use of a colour that contrasts with the base yet complements it effectively. Choosing between a vibrant or sophisticated shade depends on the desired visual impact and the overall design theme. This layer aims to add depth and interest to the design, enhancing the user's visual journey without overwhelming their senses with excessive colouration.
The 10% Spark
The final 10% introduces a high-impact colour used strategically to highlight key elements like calls to action, headlines, and necessary navigational aids. This element of colour is not just for aesthetic appeal but serves a functional purpose, guiding the user’s interactions and decisions on the webpage. It's about creating a focal point that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the design, ensuring that critical messages and actions are prominently highlighted and accessible, thus enhancing the overall user experience.
"Embrace the 60-30-10 rule as a flexible guide, not a strict formula." - Elwyn Davies
Takeaway Points:
Use the 60-30-10 rule as a starting point for balanced and engaging web design.
Adjust and adapt the percentages based on your design's unique needs and narrative.
Remember, the rule is a guideline to enhance creativity, not limit it.
Experiment with colour combinations within this framework for unique, eye-catching designs.
The ultimate goal is harmony, contrast, and a visually compelling webpage.
Wrap-up
As we wrap up, it's clear that the 60-30-10 colour rule in web design is less about following a strict set of guidelines and more about understanding the principles of balance and contrast that make designs shine. Whether you're a seasoned designer or starting out, let this rule be your guide, not your handcuffs. Experiment, explore, and, above all, enjoy the creative journey that web design offers.
