Choosing Color for Educational Materials: What Impact Does It Have?

Contents:

• A bit of theory: the benefits and risks of color design
• Why there is no clear color guide for educational designers
• Rely on the principles of UX design
• Consider color rendition, contrast, and other technical features
• Don't forget that the colors of the background and the speaker's clothing also matter
• Consider the characteristics of the audience, and rely on the brand book without fanaticism
• Combine no more than three colors
• If you are working without a designer, use the principles of the palette by Royce Kimmons
• Remember the color associations

A little theory: what are the benefits and risks of color design

In the theory of multimedia learning, there is a signaling principle that emphasizes the importance of focusing students' attention On key aspects of educational materials, including presentations. An effective tool for achieving this is color highlighting, which helps highlight important elements of information and direct students' attention to the most significant points. The use of color accents in educational materials improves the perception and absorption of information, which makes the learning process more effective.

Color in educational materials serves two important functions: it can serve as a useful indicator or simply be a design element responsible for aesthetics. Bright and distracting colors in the design of an educational presentation can violate the principle of coherence established by multimedia learning theory. According to this principle, educational materials should not contain unnecessary elements that distract attention from the key content. The presence of such distractions creates excessive cognitive load, which prevents students from absorbing the main ideas. Richard Mayer, the author of the principles of multimedia learning, emphasizes that the "increased interest" of extraneous details in educational presentations negatively affects the absorption of educational information. Effective use of color in educational materials should support learning, not distract from it.

Elena Tikhomirova, CEO of eLearning Center and author of the "Live Learning" Telegram channel, shares an interesting quote from her US colleague, instructional designer Casey Moore. She noted that the optimal design for online learning should be simple and concise, like black text on a white background. However, according to Casey, a touch of red can be added to attract attention and make the learning more engaging. Elena Tikhomirova is the author of "Learning with Meaning: 13 Rules for Those Who Teach Adults," in which she shares valuable recommendations for effective teaching.

Elena notes that the approach to course design for adults from leading online schools and universities, such as Harvard, is often characterized by minimalism and asceticism. This is no coincidence. Effective learning does not always depend on a vibrant design or an abundance of visual elements. Simplicity and conciseness allow for focus on the content and learning, which is key to successfully acquiring new knowledge and skills. This begs the question: should educational presentations for adults really be boring and monochromatic, or even black and white? Is there scientific research showing which colors and shades promote learning, and which can negatively impact this process? It is important to rely on serious scientific data based on experimental studies with large samples, rather than on common stereotypes about the symbolism of color, which are often not supported by facts.

Research into color perception shows that this topic is complex and multifaceted. However, one thing is certain: the aesthetic aspect of educational materials plays a significant role. Beautiful design is no less important than the content, and its impact on information perception should not be underestimated. Aesthetically appealing materials can significantly increase learner interest and engagement, which ultimately contributes to more effective knowledge acquisition. Therefore, when developing educational resources, it is important to consider both functionality and visual appeal.

In instructional design, an important concept is emotional design. This refers to the visual elements in multimedia learning environments that influence the emotional state of learners and facilitate the learning process. Research shows that attractive aesthetic design of multimedia educational materials can evoke positive emotions in students. These emotions, in turn, contribute to increased motivation, as students enjoy the learning process and are more willing to learn. Furthermore, positive emotions help reduce the perceived difficulty of tasks, making them less daunting. All of these factors ultimately contribute to more effective learning and better retention of material. Emotional design plays a key role in creating successful educational products and increasing their effectiveness. Educational materials should be not only meaningful but also visually appealing. As an interesting experiment applying Mayer's principles to the development of educational materials showed, adhering to the principle of coherence implies the removal of redundant design elements. However, this does not mean that educational materials should be devoid of brightness and creativity. It is important to find a balance between information content and aesthetics to ensure effective perception of information and retain the attention of learners. Research shows that bright and colorful design of educational materials can increase the cognitive load on students, but at the same time promotes better memorization of information. This visual approach helps attract attention and facilitates the perception process, which ultimately improves the quality of learning. Considering the limited resources of working memory, it can be assumed that bright design helps better memorize information. However, this approach may result in less information retention than a more subdued design. This topic requires further research, and there are currently no definitive recommendations on this matter.

Why There Are No Clear Color Guidelines for Instructional Designers

Emotional design plays a dual role in the learning process. On the one hand, it helps improve the efficiency of information perception by including elements that make learning more engaging. On the other hand, it can increase cognitive load, as it involves adding interesting, but not always necessary, elements that can distract from the main content. Bright color schemes are one such distraction. A balance between emotional design and the principle of coherence is important for creating learning materials that promote maximum information retention.

The organizers of the experiment, based on Mayer's principles, concluded that careful use of color is necessary. The fine line between harm and benefit remains an open question. In their materials, they used color only for pragmatic purposes, such as highlighting important elements and delineating various variables in examples. They also provided users with the option to disable colorization, leaving the materials in black and white. This solution helps minimize potential negative color effects and make information more accessible to all users.

Finding a balance between the benefits and harms of color can be a difficult task. However, one thing is clear: excessive variegation in design is unacceptable. Moderate use of color improves information comprehension and increases the appeal of content. The right color palette can enhance emotional perception and make material more memorable. It is important to choose colors that complement each other and create a harmonious impression, avoiding irritating combinations. Optimal design should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also functional, facilitating easy perception and navigation.

Using different colors in a single sentence, such as orange, blue, and red, can create significant cognitive load. The brain receives multiple signals simultaneously, making it difficult to perceive the main idea of ​​the text. From the perspective of instructional design and the development of educational materials, it is important to minimize this load. For students, the material is often both new and complex. Adding brightly colored designs, multicolored elements, and complex design solutions distracts attention and requires additional effort to decipher the information. As a result, important cognitive resources are diverted from the perception process, which negatively impacts learning. Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes the importance of focusing on the simplicity and clarity of educational materials to improve their absorption.

Creating a clear and understandable guide to color usage in online courses, including a list of recommended and discouraged colors, is a complex task. There are several reasons why this is not so straightforward. First, color perception is subjective and culturally dependent, making universal recommendations difficult. Second, different target audiences may react differently to the same colors, requiring a tailored approach. Third, the context of color use also plays a significant role: a color that looks good on one background may be inappropriate on another. Finally, color design trends are constantly changing, and what is relevant today may be outdated tomorrow.

Therefore, instead of strict recommendations, it is better to focus on principles that will help you choose appropriate colors for online courses. It is important to consider the context, target audience, and current trends to create visually appealing and user-friendly learning materials.

There is limited data on the impact of color without considering other factors. Research shows that color perception can vary depending on context, culture, and individual preferences. Therefore, to more accurately assess the impact of color, other aspects such as lighting, materials, and the surrounding environment must also be considered. This highlights the importance of a holistic approach to researching the impact of color on perception and behavior.

Emotional design involves not only the use of color but also the application of anthropomorphism, which involves imbuing design elements with human traits. For example, educational courses may use characters that resemble learners, which helps implement the personalization principle from multimedia learning theory. Research on the effectiveness of emotional design often examines the interaction between color schemes and anthropomorphic elements. As a result, it can be difficult to accurately determine the impact of specific colors, as they are tested in conjunction with other design aspects. Effective use of emotional design can significantly increase user engagement and interest, as confirmed by numerous studies in this area.

Data on the impact of specific colors on people's perceptions and emotions is mixed. Research shows that color perception can vary depending on cultural, social, and individual factors. For example, the same color can evoke different associations and reactions in different cultures. This makes studying the influence of color a complex and multifaceted process that requires considering various aspects. It is important to consider that color perception can also be influenced by personal experience and the context in which the color is used.

The authors of the aforementioned experiment also highlight this issue. They note that warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red promote increased arousal, which in turn improves productivity and promotes greater focus, compared to cool colors such as blue and green. There are studies that support these findings, confirming the influence of color on concentration and work performance.

Certain colors have everyday associations that can have a significant impact on a person's psychological state, regardless of whether they are warm or cool. Red, despite its warm nature, is often perceived as a signal of danger or prohibition, which creates negative associations. In contrast, green, although belonging to the cool palette, is associated with permission and calm, making it a positive and relaxing shade. Understanding these color associations can help in creating a harmonious atmosphere in the interior or when choosing clothing, as well as in other aspects of life where the psychology of color is important.

Associations associated with colors can vary significantly across cultures and generations. Therefore, the results of studies regarding the influence of certain colors should be interpreted with caution. It's important to consider the specific audience involved in the studies—children, adolescents, or adults—as well as the country in which the study was conducted and any cultural factors that may have influenced perception. It's also worth noting that color perception is also highly individual, further complicating matters.

It's not surprising that the results of various studies on the effects of color can conflict with each other. For example, Russian scientists analyzed research on the effects of color on memory and reached some interesting conclusions. One study found that blue and green colors induce boredom, while another found that prolonged exposure to blue improves working memory performance during mental tasks. This raises the question: is blue beneficial or detrimental? This question remains open and requires further study.

Reading is an important part of our lives, allowing us not only to gain new knowledge but also to develop critical thinking. It opens doors to new worlds, ideas, and perspectives. Regular reading improves concentration, expands vocabulary, and develops imagination. It's important to choose a variety of genres and authors to enrich your experience and deepen your understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Remember to pay attention to the quality of the material you read, as it directly impacts your perception and understanding of the information. Read books, articles, and research that will help you develop and discover new things.

Color plays a key role in our lives and environments. It can influence mood, emotions, and perception of the world around us. Each color has its own unique associations and meanings. For example, warm hues like red and orange can evoke feelings of energy and passion, while cool colors like blue and green are often associated with calm and harmony.

Furthermore, color is used in a variety of fields, including art, design, marketing, and psychology. In interior design, the right choice of color palette can significantly change the perception of a space, creating a cozy or, conversely, dynamic atmosphere. In marketing, color can influence consumer behavior by helping to attract attention and generate interest in a product or service.

Understanding the meaning and influence of color allows it to be used more effectively in various areas of life, from everyday clothing choices to business design. Color is not just a visual element, but a powerful tool that has the ability to influence our feelings and behavior.

Colors, in addition to their basic characteristics, also have tones and shades. Tones are variations of the primary color, which can be lighter or darker, depending on the addition of white or black. Shades, in turn, arise when the primary color is mixed with other colors, which creates additional nuances and depth. Understanding these nuances helps to better use color in design and art, and also influences perception and mood.

It is unknown which specific shade of blue was considered in the studies that concluded that it causes boredom and in another study that claimed that this color helps improve working memory performance. This aspect is significant: it's possible that completely different shades of blue were involved. As an example, consider the Pantone palette, which displays a variety of blue hues. Different shades of the same color can indeed have different effects on people. Therefore, ideally, studies should provide more precise characteristics of the color being analyzed. However, upon deeper examination of such studies, you will be hard-pressed to find examples with this level of detail.

Color has three basic characteristics: hue, saturation, and brightness. To deeply understand the impact of color on perception, it is necessary to explore these three parameters and experiment with their combinations. However, the process of varying the values ​​of these characteristics can seem complex, as there are many possible combinations. Ekaterina Kosova, a research intern at the Laboratory of Cognitive Psychology of Digital Interface Users in the Department of Psychology of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the National Research University Higher School of Economics, noted the importance of such research for design and the psychology of perception. Understanding these aspects of color will help create more effective and attractive digital interfaces.

The lack of relevant research is a serious problem in this field. The limited number of relevant and high-quality studies hinders the ability to draw accurate and valid conclusions. This creates significant challenges for professionals seeking to leverage the latest advances in science and practice. The situation requires actively devoting resources to new research that could complement the existing knowledge base and contribute to a deeper understanding of the issues under discussion. Increasing the number of studies will not only improve the quality of the data but also increase the level of confidence in the results, ultimately leading to more effective solutions in this area.

There is a wealth of research on color perception, but most of it is marketing-focused. This means their findings are not always applicable to education. It is important to consider that color perception can significantly influence the learning process and student motivation. Research in this area can help develop more effective educational materials and environments that promote better knowledge acquisition.

Research conducted at Yandex Textbook has shown that bright colors in course advertisements attract more attention from adults. This is because adults generally perceive advertising through the lens of bright visual elements. Meanwhile, teenagers prefer calmer, softer tones, as they view advertising in terms of the learning they are about to undertake. However, this doesn't mean that adult courses should be designed in bright colors. The goals of advertising and learning differ significantly, and we pay attention to a colorful banner for only a few seconds, whereas educational materials require much more time for in-depth study. Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes that many advertising and marketing studies that appear attractive may not actually be relevant to our educational goals. Therefore, it is important to consider the target audience and context when developing marketing strategies for educational courses.

Color research in multimedia learning environments is a limited but important area. Color plays a key role in information perception and can significantly impact learning effectiveness. Despite the paucity of research in this area, existing studies highlight the importance of color palettes for enhancing the visual perception of educational materials. The appropriate use of color can increase learner engagement and facilitate retention of information. Therefore, further research in this area could provide valuable data for optimizing multimedia learning resources. Since there is no uniform guideline for using color in educational courses, we reached out to adult program developers to learn about their experiences and recommendations in this area. Designing courses for children has its own unique challenges, so we focused specifically on adults. We found that the developers' conclusions, based on their personal experiences, sometimes coincide and sometimes contradict each other, as do the results of existing research. However, we have received many practical tips and life hacks that are not mentioned in scientific papers and that can significantly improve the work with color in educational projects.

Rely on the principles of UX design

Katerina Golomshtok, an independent screenwriter and developer of e-courses, as well as the author of the Nova Academy Telegram channel, actively uses color solutions in the design of her courses. She emphasizes the importance of one of the principles of UX design - aesthetic effect in usability. The use of colors not only makes courses more attractive, but also contributes to a better perception of information, improving the overall user experience.

Creating an attractive design contributes to a better perception of the educational material, be it a course, presentation, or lecture. Color plays a key role in this process, acting as an important design element. In the book "Design and Color. Workshop" Authors Sean Adams and Terry Lee Stone emphasize that color is a visual language that can evoke emotion, calm, attract attention, or, conversely, repel. The correct use of color in educational content can significantly enhance its effectiveness and make learning more engaging for students. Katerina argues that color design has a significant impact on emotional perception, contributing to the creation of aesthetic pleasure from visual content. This, in turn, increases the overall level of satisfaction with the learning process. A color palette can stimulate interest and motivation, making the educational experience more memorable and effective. The Restorff effect, also known as the isolation effect, plays an important role in associative thinking and memorization. It states that a person more effectively remembers highlighted objects among similar ones, which improves information absorption. Using this effect in training and presentations can significantly improve memory and receptivity to information. Thus, the Restorff effect can be a useful tool for students, teachers, and marketing professionals looking to make their messages more memorable.

Consider color rendition, contrast, and other technical features

Elena Tikhomirova advises avoiding "acidic" and overly bright colors, as they can create unnecessary cognitive load for users. She also warns that pale pastel colors, such as blue and light green, are not the optimal choice for highlighting key elements or creating infographics. Depending on the technical characteristics of the displays on which users will view the course, elements of such colors may be poorly visible or completely lost. A similar risk exists with the color yellow. The correct choice of color palette is critical to ensuring accessibility and perception of information, especially in educational materials.

To ensure comfortable reading of the text, the contrast between the background and the text is an important aspect. The optimal contrast ratio, determined based on the difference in brightness, plays a key role in information perception. However, it is important to consider that too high a contrast ratio can cause eye discomfort. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, recommend a contrast ratio of at least 3:1. Adhering to these guidelines will help improve the accessibility of web content and ensure a comfortable reading experience for all users. Evgeniya Rashchupkina, founder of the LXD hero project and author of the LX notes Telegram channel, recommends paying special attention to the contrast of text and visual elements. To do this, use specialized tools and services that can help check contrast levels. Such checks are important for ensuring content accessibility and improving user perception.

• ColorsWall,
• WebAIM,
• Colour Contrast Checker.

Evgeny emphasizes the importance of choosing the right color for active links, as they can blend in with the background. This can negatively impact the user experience and navigation of the site. It is recommended to use specialized tools, such as the WebAIM service, to check the contrast and visibility of links. This will help improve the accessibility of the site and ensure comfortable user interaction with the content.

There are specialized services that allow you to evaluate the visual design from the perspective of people with visual impairments. For example, Color Oracle demonstrates how a presentation or website will appear to someone with color blindness. There is a wide range of tools available online for checking the accessibility and perception of visual content, which is especially important for creating inclusive design.

Reading is an important aspect of our lives, contributing to personal growth and expanding horizons. Books, articles, and other sources of information not only entertain but also help us develop critical thinking and improve skills. Immersing ourselves in various genres of literature allows us to better understand the world around us and find solutions to various life situations. Regular reading helps improve vocabulary and literacy. It is important to choose high-quality sources of information to gain relevant and useful knowledge. Be mindful of your choices and discover new horizons through reading.

Design Mistakes That Can Negatively Affect an Online Course

Creating an online course requires not only high-quality content but also thoughtful design. Design errors can distract students and reduce the effectiveness of learning. Let's look at the main mistakes to avoid.

One common mistake is visual content overload. An excessive number of elements can make it difficult to perceive information. The design should be simple and intuitive.

Another problem is color inconsistency. Inappropriate colors can cause discomfort and distract from the learning process. It is recommended to use harmonious combinations that will help focus on the content.

Lack of white space can also negatively impact the perception of the material. It helps structure the content and makes it more readable. Proper distribution of space will create a comfortable learning environment.

Fonts play an important role in design. Using too many different fonts can lead to confusion. It is better to limit yourself to two or three fonts that are easily readable on different devices.

Poor navigation is also a significant mistake. If users have difficulty finding the material they need, it can cause frustration and reduce motivation. Make sure the course structure is logical and intuitive.

Also, it is worth paying attention to the responsiveness of the design. In the modern world, users learn on a variety of devices, and your course should display correctly on both computers and mobile devices.

Ignoring student feedback is another mistake. Feedback can help identify design flaws and improve the user experience. Regularly gather feedback and make changes based on the data.

Finally, a lack of visuals, such as images, graphs, and videos, can make a course unengaging. Visual elements attract attention and help people retain information.

By avoiding these design mistakes, you can create an effective and engaging online course that will promote successful learning.

Don't forget that the colors of the background and the speaker's clothing also matter.

Elena Tikhomirova and Katerina Golomshtok emphasize the importance of color not only in the design of educational presentations and longreads, but also in the overall perception of video courses. The color scheme of the background, the speaker's clothing, and interior details play a key role in creating a comfortable atmosphere for viewers. Elena recommends using a subdued, neutral palette of warm tones, which promotes harmony and visual unity. The right color combination helps avoid distractions from key information, reduces cognitive load, and creates an emotionally pleasing experience.

Don't assume that a lecturer shouldn't have flashy accessories or unusual features like green hair. Human attention is far more complex. Elena emphasizes that during a video lecture, students primarily notice the lecturer's face, not the details of their clothing. Research shows that when one person looks at another, they focus on the face, facial expressions, and body language. This explains why it's recommended for female speakers to wear subdued makeup: overly bright details can be distracting, as viewers are already focused on the face. Finding a balance between self-expression and maintaining a professional image is important.

A lecturer's appearance is perceived differently depending on the context, and this applies not only to color scheme. If the audience is expecting a flamboyant speaker, for example, a famous personality with a striking style, then such an appearance will not raise any questions. However, if the lecturer is new and unfamiliar to the audience, flashy elements of their style may raise doubts about their professionalism. This isn't just a concern for older people; research shows that even young students judge a professor's competence by their attire and prefer a more formal, business-like style. Thus, the choice of a lecturer's appearance has a significant impact on the audience's perception of his expertise and trustworthiness.

Study additional materials:

There are many opinions about whether a teacher should appear on camera during a video lecture. Some believe that the visual presence of the instructor helps create a more personal connection with the audience and promotes better absorption of the material. Others argue that focusing on the content of the lecture is more important than visual presence, and that animations or slides can be more effective at conveying information. Ultimately, the choice depends on the teaching style and the goals of the course.

Consider the characteristics of the audience, and rely sparingly on the brand book

Online schools and companies often have an established color palette and brand book, such as Skillbox with its blue color or Beeline, associated with yellow. However, excessive use of corporate colors in educational materials can be ineffective and distract from the main content. Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes that some companies, in addition to their marketing brand book, develop a separate educational brand book. This document may use colors similar to corporate ones, but in more muted shades, which promotes better perception of the training content and increases its effectiveness.

Perception and preference of colors is a subjective process, but there are general principles that can be applied to different audience segments. For example, if you are developing a course on personal protective equipment for industrial specialists over 45 years old and a course on digital security for young professionals at an IT company, the color palette should differ. In the first case, it is recommended to use subdued and calm shades that will be more acceptable to an older audience. In the second case, you can safely use bright and saturated colors that will attract the attention of young professionals. The right choice of color scheme can significantly improve the appeal and effectiveness of your content.

Combine no more than three colors

Experts advise limiting yourself to three accent colors when designing a course. This means that if you use standard colors like white and black, you can only choose three additional colors. Adhere to the "less is more" rule, as too many colors can be distracting and complicate the perception of information. Proper use of a limited palette promotes harmonious design and improves the visual perception of your course. Elena Tikhomirova demonstrates an example of a longread design using optimal color schemes. The main background is white, which ensures readability. The text uses a black font, which makes the information easy to perceive. Three accent colors are used for highlighting: blue for headings, red for key points, and green for interesting facts. This approach to color palette helps highlight important elements and improve navigation through the text, which in turn helps retain the reader's attention. Black and white each have their own unique properties. Pure black and pure white can be perceived as too harsh, which can negatively impact the overall perception. It's recommended to use softer shades to soften the contrast. For example, instead of pure white, choose light gray (#F6F6F6), and instead of pure black, choose dark gray (#1E1E1E). These shades not only make the color palette more pleasing but also contribute to the creation of a harmonious design.

If you're working without a designer, use the palette principles of Royce Kimmons

To achieve harmonious color combinations, it's worth referring to the recommendations of Royce Kimmons, associate professor of psychology and instructional technology at Brigham Young University. In his article "Color Theory for Experience Design," published in the collection "Research on Learning and User Experience," he identifies several principles that will help create aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective color palettes. Following his advice can improve visual perception and enhance the emotional response of users, which is especially important in design and training.

• Monochromatic - choose one color and use its shades as complementary colors.
• Analogous - choose a primary color and select colors close to it on the Itten color wheel as accent colors.
• Complementary - choose two colors opposite each other on the color wheel.
• Complex - use three or more colors that are equidistant from each other on the color wheel.
• Achromatic - use only black, white, and gray.

These recommendations, although primarily focused on the design of educational institutions' websites, are also useful for online course developers. Royce advises starting with choosing a primary color and then, based on the color wheel, selecting complementary shades. This approach will help create a harmonious palette that will attract users' attention and facilitate better information comprehension. The right color scheme can also positively impact user experience and increase engagement. For those less inclined to take risks, a monochrome option is recommended. However, it's important to remember that in some cases, this style can be too monotonous. For those looking to add a splash of color to their design, analogous or complementary color schemes are suitable. They will add expressiveness and make the composition more interesting.

Royce Kimmons suggests an alternative approach to choosing a color palette: using a favorite photograph, preferably one depicting nature. To do this, you can upload the photo to specialized services designed to determine color palettes. Russian users can use, for example, one of the available online services or refer to the resources presented in the editorial selection "Design" Skillbox Media. This method will allow you to create a harmonious color combination based on natural shades, which will significantly improve the visual appeal of your project.

Remember Color Associations

Color associations play an important role in the perception of information and interaction with online services. For example, green is often associated with resolution and correctness, while red symbolizes warning and error. These associations are formed based on user experience and are actively used in web design to achieve specific goals. Taking these color concepts into account can significantly improve user experience and enhance the effectiveness of interfaces.

Elena Tikhomirova notes that users expect inactive elements on online resources to be gray, signaling their inoperability. Therefore, if an interactive button in a training presentation is gray, users may not understand that they need to click it, as they will perceive it as a disabled element. This highlights the importance of choosing the right color scheme for interactive elements to avoid confusion and ensure easy interaction with content.