Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
All colors possess characteristics of
hue, value, and saturation. When combining
color and type, balancing these properties is
a critical legibility concern. For example, the
highly saturated, complementary colors blue
and orange offer maximum hue contrast, but
when applied to type and background the
effect is one of vibration that quickly tires the
eye. These colors compete in brightness and
vie for attention. If the type or background is
lightened or darkened by selecting a tint or
shade of the hue, legibility is improved
(Fig.
3-16
).
But not all fully saturated hues are of the
same value. Two highly saturated, analogous
colors, such as blue and green, provide
sufficient contrast without a dizzying effect.
(Analogous colors are those that appear in
close proximity on a color wheel.) Because
the green is actually lighter in value and
brighter in saturation than the blue, there may
be no need for further adjustment (Fig.
3-17
).
However, if analogous colors are too close to
each other on the color wheel, adjustments in
contrast will be necessary (Fig.
3-18
).
Of all the contrasts of color, value affects
legibility most significantly. Value contrasts
effectively preserve the shapes and formal
details of letters, thus making them more
easily recognizable.
Typefaces possess unique shapes,
proportions, and individual characteristics
that should be taken into consideration
when selecting color. A typeface with fine
serifs, ultrathin strokes, small counters, or
any number of other visual eccentricities
may appear illegible if color is not carefully
articulated. By turning value or intensity up
or down in these situations, legibility can
improve greatly (Fig.
3-19
).
The type size is also an important
consideration in the planning of color. At
smaller sizes, type requires backgrounds that
are significantly different in hue and/or value
(Fig.
3-20
).
3-18
Blue and violet
hues exist very close to
each other on the color
wheel, and when used
for type and background
do not offer sufficient
contrast. A tint or shade
of one of the colors,
however, improves
legibility.
3-19
By scrutinizing the
roles of value and hue
contrast, the legibility of
most typefaces can be
improved. Typefaces that
are visually challenging
because of extreme
proportions (heavy, light,
wide, or thin) can be
made more legible by
assigning appropriate
color combinations.
3-20
The smaller
and more delicate the
type, the more contrast
is needed to ensure
adequate legibility.
