Color Theory and Concepts
This course introduces the principles, science, and applications of color in visual communication. Students explore how color is perceived, structured, and used to influence meaning, emotion, usability, and design decisions. The course combines theoretical foundations with practical understanding of color systems, psychology, and digital color use.
§ 01 By the end you can
- Understand fundamental principles of color theory and perception.
- Explain how light, vision, and science influence color appearance.
- Analyze psychological, cultural, and contextual meanings of color.
- Apply color systems effectively in digital and design environments.
- Evaluate color choices for usability, communication, and visual impact.
§ 02 Sixteen sessions
The whole semester.
- 01Introduction to Color and Its Role in Design
- 02A Brief History of Color Use in Art and Communication
- 03Fundamentals of Color Theory
- 04Color Context and Visual Perception
- 05The Science of Light and Color
- 06How the Human Eye Sees Color
- 07Aspects of Color: Hue, Value, and Saturation
- 08 · MidtermColor Interaction and Optical Effects
- 09Psychological and Emotional Effects of Color
- 10Cultural and Symbolic Meanings of Color
- 11Color in Design and Visual Communication
- 12Usability and Accessibility of Color
- 13Applying Color in Graphic and Digital Design
- 14Electronic Color and Screen-Based Systems
- 15Color Models: RGB, CMYK, HSB, and HSL
- 16Color in Marketing, Branding, and Visual Strategy
Midterm around session 8. Final project briefed at session 8 or 9 and developed in stages until the juries.
§ 03 Final project
Deliverables
- Create one illustration-heavy poster on a topic of your choice.
- Create 6 variations of the poster. Each variation will have a different color scheme, everything else will remain the same.
- Present the 6 posters with explanation of how each color scheme effects the message of the poster, and the impact it has on the viewer.
Size: A3
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