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, which emphasizes the need to highlight key elements In educational materials, including presentations, the use of color is an effective tool for directing students' attention to important information. This not only helps improve comprehension but also promotes deeper understanding and retention of the content. Using bright colors to highlight key concepts and ideas significantly increases the chances of successful learning. Color in an educational presentation can serve two main functions: as a useful indicator or simply as a design element. Bright and distracting colors in the design of educational materials can violate the principle of coherence, as described in multimedia learning theory. According to this theory, a presentation should not contain anything that distracts attention from the main content, as this creates excessive cognitive load and hinders understanding of the educational material. Richard Mayer, the author of the principles of multimedia learning, emphasizes that excessive details, although they may seem interesting, negatively affect the assimilation of educational information. Therefore, it's important to use color consciously and effectively to maintain focus on content and facilitate better comprehension.

Elena Tikhomirova, CEO of eLearning Center and author of the "Live Learning" Telegram channel, shares an interesting insight from her American colleague, instructional designer Casey Moore. She argues that the ideal design for online learning is simplicity and clarity, expressed in a black and white palette. When asked if this is sufficient, Casey added that a touch of red could be added for accents. This approach emphasizes the importance of effective visual presentation in online education, which can significantly improve engagement and comprehension.

Elena notes that the approach to course design for adults at leading online schools and universities, such as Harvard, is often minimalist and ascetic. This is not just a coincidence. This design style emphasizes the importance of the content and allows students to focus on learning, avoiding unnecessary distractions. Minimalism in design promotes more effective information absorption and creates a comfortable learning environment. Do educational presentations for adults really have to be boring and monotonous, or even black and white? Is there scientific research confirming which colors and shades promote learning, and which can negatively impact learning? It's important to rely on solid scientific data based on experimental studies with large samples, rather than on widely accepted stereotypes about the meaning of colors, of which there are many. Research shows that choosing the right color palette can significantly improve the perception and retention of information, making learning more effective.

From a scientific perspective, color perception is a complex and multifaceted process. However, one thing is certain: aesthetics play a key role in educational materials. Attractive and well-thought-out design not only pleases the eye but also promotes better information absorption. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate the importance of visual aesthetics when creating educational resources. Beautiful design can significantly increase interest in the material and improve its comprehension, which ultimately leads to more effective learning.

In instructional design, an important aspect is emotional design, which encompasses visual elements in multimedia learning environments that can influence students' emotions and support the learning process. Research shows that aesthetically pleasing design of multimedia learning materials promotes positive emotions. These emotions, in turn, enhance student motivation, making learning more enjoyable and engaging. When students experience positive feelings, tasks seem less difficult and less daunting, which ultimately contributes to improved learning outcomes. Emotional design plays a key role in creating an effective and inspiring learning environment, contributing to increased student engagement and success. Learning materials should not only be informative but also visually appealing. The authors of one interesting experiment based on Mayer's principles emphasize that although the principle of coherence advocates the removal of redundant design elements, this does not mean that learning materials should be lifeless. It is important to find a balance between simplicity and aesthetics to make learning more engaging and effective for students. Research shows that bright and colorful design of learning materials can increase students' cognitive load. However, such materials promote better retention of information. The use of visually appealing elements in educational resources helps maintain attention and promotes more effective learning. It can be hypothesized that limited working memory resources may contribute to better retention of information when using a bright design. However, this approach often results in less information being retained compared to a more subdued design. This topic requires further research, and there are currently no definitive recommendations.

Why There Are No Clear Color Guidelines for Instructional Designers

Emotional design, on the one hand, contributes to the effectiveness of learning by introducing elements that make the process more engaging. On the other hand, it can increase cognitive load, as it includes interesting, but often redundant, elements in the educational material. These elements can distract learners and violate the principle of coherence. Bright colors, for example, can distract from the main information, disrupting focus on key aspects of learning. Thus, it is important to find a balance between emotional design and the effectiveness of the learning process in order to maximize knowledge acquisition and minimize distractions.

The organizers of the experiment, based on Mayer's principles, concluded that a cautious approach to the use of color is necessary. The fine line between the benefits and harms of color in educational materials remains a pressing issue. In their studies, they used color for purely practical purposes—to highlight key information, such as the various variables in examples. They also provided an option to disable color, allowing users to view the materials in black and white. This approach promotes more effective perception of information and minimizes the risk of distraction.

Finding a balance between the harm and benefit of color is a difficult task. One thing is clear: excessive brightness and variegation in design are unacceptable. Effective color design should combine aesthetic appeal and functionality, creating a comfortable atmosphere for information perception. Proper use of a color palette contributes to improved user experience and interaction with content.

Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes that using different colors in a single sentence can create excessive cognitive load. When text is formatted using orange, blue, and red, the brain receives multiple signals simultaneously, making it difficult to perceive the main idea. In instructional design and the development of educational materials, it is important to minimize this load. Students are faced with new and sometimes complex material, and excessive design with bright colors and numerous design elements distracts their attention. As a result, the brain is forced to "decode" visual stimuli, which takes away important cognitive resources from the process of understanding the information. Proper presentation of educational materials contributes to more effective learning and better knowledge acquisition.

Creating a clear and understandable guide to color design principles for online courses, including a list of recommended and discouraged colors, seems impossible. The reasons for this are as follows:

First, color perception is subjective and depends on cultural context. What may be perceived as pleasant and calming in one culture may evoke negative associations in another.

Second, the goals and topic of the course play a key role in choosing a color palette. Different topics require different approaches to color. For example, educational courses on psychology may use soft, pastel shades, while courses on programming may be brighter and more saturated.

Third, the importance of contrast and readability cannot be underestimated. The right combination of colors ensures the ease of information perception. Colors that are too bright or too dark can make text difficult to read and be distracting.

Fourth, modern design trends are constantly changing, and what was relevant a few years ago may not meet today's standards. Therefore, it is important to monitor current trends and adapt the color palette to modern requirements.

Therefore, while there is no universal color guide for online courses, general recommendations can be used based on the context, goals, and audience of the course.

There is limited data on the influence of color on perception and behavior without taking other factors into account. Research shows that color can have a significant impact on emotions and decisions, but context, cultural characteristics, and individual preferences must be taken into account. A deeper understanding of the influence of color requires a holistic approach that includes an analysis of various variables.

Emotional design involves not only the use of color but also the application of anthropomorphism, which involves endowing design elements with human characteristics. For example, training courses can use characters that resemble learners, which helps create a closer connection between the content and the user. This is consistent with the principle of personalization from multimedia learning theory. Research on the effectiveness of emotional design often examines the effects of color and anthropomorphism simultaneously, making it difficult to determine the specific contribution of each element. Therefore, to more deeply understand the impact of emotional design, it is important to consider their combination and mutual influence.

Existing research on the impact of different colors generally has conflicting results.

The authors of the mentioned experiment also confirm this problem. They note that warm colors such as yellow, orange, and red contribute to increased arousal and, as a result, improve productivity and concentration. In contrast, cool colors such as blue and green are less effective in this regard. There is research confirming these findings, making the topic of the influence of color palettes on productivity relevant for study.

Some colors have everyday associations, which can significantly influence a person's psychological state, regardless of their warmth or coolness. For example, red, being a warm color, is often perceived as a signal of alarm or prohibition, which creates negative associations. Meanwhile, green, being a cool color, is associated with permission and calm, making it calming. Understanding these color associations can be useful when choosing a color palette for interiors, clothing, or graphic design, as the right color choice can evoke desired emotional responses.

Associations associated with colors can vary significantly across cultures and generations. Therefore, conclusions from studies on the influence of colors should be approached with caution. It is important to consider the audience participating in the studies—children, adolescents, or adults—as well as the country in which the study was conducted and any cultural characteristics that may influence perception. Furthermore, color perception is individual, which should also be taken into account when analyzing the results.

Unsurprisingly, the results of different studies on the influence of colors can contradict each other. For example, Russian scientists analyzed a number of studies on the effects of color on memory. One study found that blue and green colors induce boredom, while another study found that prolonged exposure to blue improved working memory performance during mental tasks. The question remains: is blue beneficial or detrimental? This remains open for discussion.

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Color plays an important role in our lives and environment. It not only influences our perception of the world, but can also evoke various emotions and associations. Colors can influence a person's mood, behavior, and even physical well-being. For example, warm hues like red and yellow are often associated with energy and activity, while cool colors like blue and green create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation.

In design and art, color is used to create a certain atmosphere and convey messages. The right color combination can significantly increase the appeal of visual content and make it more memorable. In marketing, color also plays a key role, helping brands stand out and form an emotional connection with consumers.

It's important to understand that color perception can vary depending on culture and personal experience. Therefore, when choosing a color palette for projects, it's important to consider the target audience and context. Color can not only decorate but also convey deep meanings, making it a powerful tool in the hands of artists, designers, and marketers.

Colors can be divided into tones and tints, which play an important role in design and perception. Hues are variations of a primary color, adding white or black to it to change its brightness. Tints, on the other hand, are created by mixing a primary color with other colors, allowing for more complex and interesting color schemes. Understanding the differences between colors, tints, and shades helps create harmonious compositions in art and design, as well as the effective use of color in marketing and branding. The impact of shades of blue on emotional perception and cognitive function remains a pressing issue. Research shows that different shades of blue can evoke different responses: one hue may be associated with boredom, while another can improve working memory performance. This emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying the hues being studied, as different shades of the same color can have completely different effects on a person. For example, the Pantone palette offers a wide range of blue shades, and their diversity can significantly influence research results. Unfortunately, most scientific studies do not pay sufficient attention to detail, making it difficult to analyze and understand these nuances. More detailed characterization of colors in studies could improve the quality of conclusions and practical applications.

Color has three key characteristics: hue, saturation, and brightness. To better understand how color influences perception and behavior, it is necessary to explore these three aspects and vary their values. However, this can be a challenging task, as there are a virtually infinite number of combinations of these parameters. 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, emphasized the importance of this research for the design and understanding of user interactions with digital interfaces. Research into color characteristics helps create more effective and attractive interfaces, which, in turn, improves the user experience.

The number of available studies in this area is limited.

There are many studies on color perception, but most of them focus on marketing aspects. This makes their findings less applicable to the educational field. It's important to consider that color perception can influence attention and retention during learning. Therefore, further research is needed to understand how color palettes can be used to optimize educational content and create a more effective learning environment.

A study by Yandex Textbook found that bright colors in course advertisements attract adults because they match their expectations of advertising. Meanwhile, softer, more tranquil shades are more appealing to teenagers, as they view advertisements in terms of the learning they are about to undertake. This doesn't mean that adult courses should be designed in bright colors. The goals of advertising and educational materials differ, and we spend only a few seconds on a bright banner, while we devote many hours to educational materials, notes Elena Tikhomirova. She also adds that many studies in advertising and marketing may look attractive, but they are not always suitable for an educational context.

Research on color in multimedia learning spaces remains limited. Despite the importance of color perception for effective learning and visual communication, the number of specialized studies in this area is limited. It is important to continue studying the impact of color on information perception and user interaction with educational materials. This will help develop more effective visualization techniques and improve the quality of multimedia content in education.

Since there is no unified guide for working with color, we reached out to educational course developers to learn about their practical experiences and receive advice in this area. We focused primarily on courses for adults, as designing programs for children has its own unique aspects. We were not surprised that the developers' conclusions, based on personal experience, were sometimes consistent and sometimes contradictory, which is also consistent with existing research. However, among their recommendations, we found many practical life hacks not mentioned in scientific papers. The use of color in learning can significantly impact how information is perceived, so it is important to consider both theoretical and practical aspects when developing courses.

Rely on UX Design Principles

Katerina Golomshtok, an independent screenwriter and developer of e-learning 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 perception, which plays a key role in usability. Using a color palette not only attracts attention but also improves the perception of information, which contributes to more effective learning.

Effective design plays a key role in the perception of educational material, be it a course, presentation, or lecture. Color is an important element of this design. As Sean Adams and Terry Lee Stone note in their book "Design and Color. According to "Practicum," color is a visual language that can evoke a variety of emotions: it can inspire, calm, attract attention, or, conversely, repel. The correct use of color in design helps students better retain information and makes learning more effective.

Katerina believes that color design has a significant impact on emotions and contributes to aesthetic pleasure. This, in turn, increases the overall level of satisfaction with the learning process. Effective use of color in educational materials can improve information comprehension and make learning more engaging.

The Restorff effect, also known as the isolation effect, plays an important role in associative thinking and memorization. It is based on the fact that a person more easily remembers a unique or distinguished object among similar ones. This phenomenon emphasizes the importance of highlighting key elements of information to improve its assimilation and memorization. Using this effect, you can significantly improve the effectiveness of learning and memorization, which is especially important in the educational and professional fields.

Consider color rendering, contrast, and other technical features

Elena Tikhomirova advises avoiding the use of "acidic" and overly bright colors, as they create an additional cognitive load on viewers. At the same time, pale pastel shades, such as blue and light green, are also not suitable for highlighting important information or creating infographics. This is due to the fact that elements of such colors may be difficult to distinguish on different displays. A similar problem can arise with yellow. To effectively present information, it is recommended to use more saturated and contrasting shades, which will help attract attention and improve content perception.

Contrast plays a key role in highlighting important information and ensuring comfortable reading. The optimal contrast ratio between the background and the text affects the perception of the text, as it is determined by the difference in brightness. However, too much contrast can negatively impact visual perception. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium, state that the minimum contrast ratio should be 3:1 or higher. Compliance with this requirement helps improve content accessibility for all users, including people with visual impairments.

Evgeniya Rashchupkina, founder of the LXD Hero project and author of the LX Notes Telegram channel, recommends paying special attention to contrast in design. For this purpose, it is useful to use special online services that help check the level of color contrast. This is important for ensuring content accessibility and improving user experience.

• ColorsWall,
• WebAIM,
• Colour Contrast Checker.

Evgeniya recommends paying special attention to the color of active links, as sometimes it can blend in with the background. You can use the WebAIM service to check the color contrast of links. This will help ensure better readability and accessibility of your content for all users.

There are specialized services that allow you to evaluate visual design from the perspective of people with visual impairments. For example, Color Oracle demonstrates how a presentation or website will be perceived by people with color blindness. This is a useful tool for designers and developers striving to create accessible content. An extensive list of tools is available online that will help you check the visual aspects of your project taking into account various color vision impairments. Using such services helps improve the accessibility and usability of your materials.

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Errors in the design of an online course can significantly affect its perception and effectiveness. It is important to keep in mind that visual design plays a key role in learning. Below are the main mistakes that can negatively impact your course.

One common mistake is an overly cluttered interface. If there are too many elements on the page, it is difficult for the user to focus on important information. A minimalist approach and proper distribution of space will help improve comprehension.

An inappropriate choice of color scheme can also distract students. Bright and harsh colors can cause discomfort, while soft, harmonious combinations will create a more pleasant learning atmosphere.

Fonts play an important role in readability. Using text that is too small or complex fonts can make the material difficult to understand. It is better to choose clear and easy-to-read fonts so that everyone can access the information.

Unoptimized images can significantly slow down the loading of a course. This not only irritates users but can also lead to increased loss of interest. Optimizing graphic elements should be an important part of the development.

Incorrect content structure is also a common mistake. Logically organized material with clear headings and subheadings helps users navigate better. Each module should have a clear purpose and flow.

A lack of interactive elements can reduce student engagement. Adding quizzes, polls, and forums promotes active learning and maintains attention.

Ignoring a mobile version of a course can leave some audiences out. With more and more people using mobile devices for learning, responsive design is a must.

A lack of feedback can reduce motivation. It's important to provide mechanisms for receiving feedback from students so they can share their experiences and receive support.

Finally, don't forget to test your course before launch. This will help identify and eliminate potential errors, improving quality and user experience.

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

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

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 visual perception of video courses. The color palette, including the background, the speaker's clothing, and interior details, plays a key role in creating a learning atmosphere. Elena recommends using a subdued, neutral palette of warm tones that complement each other harmoniously. This will avoid distractions from the content and reduce cognitive load, creating a comfortable and emotionally pleasant environment for viewers. Choosing the right colors can improve the perception of information and enhance learning. Should a teacher avoid bright and eye-catching accessories, like green hair? No, it's not necessary. Human attention is complex. Elena explains that during a video lecture, students primarily focus on the lecturer's face, not their clothing: "There are numerous studies showing that when one person observes another, they pay attention to the face, facial expressions, and movements—it's our natural way of perceiving." Therefore, if the speaker is a woman, she should choose subdued makeup, as too-bright shades can distract from the attention already focused on her face.

A lecturer's appearance is perceived differently depending on the context, and this is not limited to color choice. If the audience is already familiar with a lecturer with a distinctive style, such as a well-known figure, then this image is perceived positively. However, for a new audience, the striking appearance of an unfamiliar speaker can raise doubts about their professionalism. This applies not only to the older generation; research shows that even young students often judge a lecturer's competence by their clothing and prefer a more discreet, business-like style. It is important to remember that appearance can significantly affect the perception of information and the credibility of the speaker.

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Be sure to check out our collection of materials. We offer relevant and useful articles to help you deepen your knowledge on a variety of topics. Our content is tailored to meet reader needs and includes tips, recommendations, and analytical reviews. Don't miss the opportunity to expand your knowledge and find answers to important questions. Regularly updated content will keep you up-to-date on the latest trends and news in your field of interest. There are many opinions on whether a teacher should appear on camera during a video lecture. Some believe that the teacher's presence helps create a more personal connection with the audience and makes learning more effective. Others argue that the content of the lecture is more important than visual presence, and that slides or other visual materials can be more informative. It's important to keep in mind that the choice depends on the lesson format, topic, and student preferences. The presence of a teacher in the frame can add an element of engagement, but it is not always necessary for successful knowledge transfer.

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

Online schools and companies often already have a specific color palette and brand book. For example, Skillbox is associated with blue, and Beeline with yellow. However, overusing corporate colors in educational materials can be problematic. What effectively attracts attention in advertising can distract from the main content in an educational context. Elena Tikhomirova emphasizes that some companies create separate educational brand books in addition to their marketing ones. Such educational brand books can use colors similar to corporate ones, but in more subdued and muted shades. This allows you to maintain your brand identity without distracting students from the learning process.

Color perception and preferences for their use are subjective, but there are general principles that apply to specific audiences. For example, when developing a course on personal protective equipment for industrial specialists over 45 and a course on digital security for young professionals at an IT company, the choice of color palette should differ. In the first case, it is advisable to use more subdued and calm shades, while in the second, you can resort to bright and saturated colors. This approach to color selection will help create more attractive and effective content that meets the expectations and interests of the target audience.

Combine no more than three colors

Course design experts advise limiting the use of accent colors to three. This means that if your main colors are white and black, then you can add three additional accent colors. However, don't exceed this number, as the "less is more" rule works 100% in design. A limited number of colors will help create a harmonious and attractive course design, which will positively impact the perception of the material and improve the user experience.

Elena Tikhomirova demonstrates an example of a longread design in which a white background creates a clean and readable space. The main font color is black, which ensures good contrast and ease of reading. Three colors are used for accents: blue for highlighting headings, red for emphasizing the most important points, and green for highlighting interesting facts. This approach to design helps structure the information and makes the longread more appealing to the reader.

Black and white each have their own unique characteristics. Pure shades of these colors can be too harsh for the reader. It is recommended to use softer tones to soften the contrast. For example, instead of pure white, it is better to use light gray (#F6F6F6), and instead of pure black, dark gray (#1E1E1E). Such shades create a more harmonious visualization and improve the overall aesthetics of the design.

If you are working without a designer, use the palette principles from Royce Kimmons

For harmonious color combinations, it is useful to refer to the recommendations of Royce Kimmons, associate professor of psychology and instructional technology at Brigham Young University (USA). In his article "Color Theory for Experience Design," published in the collection "Research on Learning and User Experience," he identifies several key principles that will help create visually appealing and effective color combinations. These principles can be useful both for designers and for anyone looking to improve their visual content, ensuring better perception and interaction with users. The correct use of color not only affects aesthetics but also emotional perception, which makes these guidelines especially relevant for creating high-quality design.

• 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 tips are primarily related to the design of educational institutions’ websites, but online course developers can also use them. Royce recommends starting with choosing a primary color and then selecting complementary shades based on the color wheel. A well-chosen color palette not only improves the perception of information but also helps create a harmonious visual image for a website. For those who are more cautious, a monochrome style is recommended. However, keep in mind that in some cases this approach may appear too monotonous. For those seeking to add vibrant accents to their design, analogous or complementary color schemes are suitable. These options will help create a more dynamic and expressive atmosphere.

Royce Kimmons suggests an interesting way to create a color palette. You can choose a photo you like, preferably one with natural landscapes, and upload it to specialized online services to determine a palette. Russian users can use services such as those mentioned in the Skillbox Media "Design" editorial selection. This will allow you to create unique color combinations inspired by nature that you can confidently apply to your design projects.

Remember Color Associations

Color associations in web design play an important role in how users perceive information. For example, green is often associated with permission and positivity, while red signals prohibition or warning. These associations are formed through users' experiences with various online services, where the color palette is used to convey specific messages. It's important to consider that the right choice of color not only influences the perception of content but can also improve user experience, facilitating effective interaction with the website. Using color associations in web design helps direct user attention and facilitate navigation, which ultimately contributes to achieving business goals. Elena Tikhomirova notes that users typically expect inactive elements on online resources to be grayed out, symbolizing their inactivity. If an interactive button in a training presentation is grayed out, this can lead to misunderstanding. Users, upon seeing such a button, are likely to perceive it as inactive and not attempt to click it. It is important to consider user perception when designing interfaces to ensure user-friendliness and effectiveness of interaction.