Avoid the use of too many colors on one screen, especially font colors. An old version of the PowerBar website at right expemplifies the use of too many color that change across text and background. For instructional messages, stick with fewer colors to avoid unncessary distraction from the content. Note, also, the text size is too small to be read easily.

Pay attention to the psychology of color (Holzschlag, 1999). Dominant red colors evoke feelings of passion, aggression, or danger. Blue symbolizes cleanliness and order or security and trust (Bank of America sample at right). Green is often associated with luck or nature (Greenpeace sample at right). Brown can be used to represent the earth. White symbolizes purity and sterility, but death in many eastern countries. Black can be used to represent death and fear, or power and elegance (Debeers sample at right). Purple represents royalty or spirituality (The Latest News of the Royal Family sample at right). Yellow can portray hope and optimism or dishonesty and cowardice. Orange can represent energy and balance.