The Effect of Combining Colours on Their Psychological Influences

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Psychological effect of colours is relatively well known, at least subconsciously. Red is considered energetic and attractive, while blue is calming. While colour is determined by the wavelength of the perceived light, our perceptions and responses to different colours depend on a host of variables like culture, individual experiences and memories. This implies that the reaction to colours is subjective. Red can be seen as energetic and friendly, or dangerous and violent. Blue can be calming, but it can also be cold and unfriendly. Yellow can be light and happy, but is also related to cowardice. So what happens when colours are combined? The active red and soothing blue is used, for example, in the Pepsi logo. What response does this contrasting colour combination elicit from the majority of viewers? There is, of course, a general consensus as to which colour relates to which feeling, despite individual differences. In combination, however, colours have been shown to elicit a more consistent response than single colours. In fact, the response to a particular colour changes when seen in combination with different colours. A yellow flower viewed with a green background creates a very different response than yellow used with black in a contemporary design. The amount of each colour in a combination also adds to the effect. Contents 1. Types of Colour Combinations 2. Colour Combinations using the Colour Wheel and moods 3. Survey Results 4. Weight of Colours in a Combination 5. Conclusion Types of Colour Combinations Different types of colour combinations can be created based on colour properties, or more mathematically, based on the colour wheel. Colour properties utilize relatively subjective terms like bright, pastel, soft, warm, cool, earthy, light and dark. One might create combinations using colours from a

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