Color Theory Applied to Online Projects
A course by James EcclestonBrand and UX Specialist
A course by James Eccleston, Brand and UX Specialist
Learn the science behind color to create engaging and cohesive digital designs that improve communication
Color plays a crucial role in the communication process, as it establishes a deep connection with the audience through human psychology and cultural context. Branding and UX expert James Eccleston has found in color one of the most powerful tools for solving problems through design.
In this course, learn the big ideas behind color theory and learn how to apply them in your own digital designs. This course will enable you to be a more complete designer by giving you the tools you need to communicate with color and analyze other designers’ work in terms of color.
This is James’ second course on Domestika, after Brand Strategy for Online Platforms, where he teaches how to develop a professional digital brand concept.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 17 downloads
What Will We Do in This Course?
1 minute, 55 seconds
The Science of Colour, What Is It?
2 minutes, 14 seconds
The Basic Terminology of Colour
14 minutes, 20 seconds
Colour Interpretation in Different Cultures
5 minutes, 12 seconds
Colour Meaning: Psychology, Culture and Context
5 minutes, 56 seconds
Harmony: Combining Hues Using the Colour Wheel
11 minutes, 22 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know James, how he started off in the industry, and the designers that have influenced his work in terms of color. He then gives you a summary of the course’s contents.
Learn exactly what color is and why we see certain colors as we do. Also, learn color terminology to help you improve your communication and ideas in presentation skills.
Discover how to combine colors using color harmony and produce a color palette. Then, learn how to apply a color palette to an illustration and a website.
Finish the course with some tips and tricks for fixing bad color combinations and discovering the best way to design and apply color to call to action buttons.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Create a color palette and apply it to your website design.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Designers who want to master the use of color for online projects.
Requirements and materials
You’ll need basic knowledge of the following software: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, and your favorite between Figma, Sketch, or Adobe XD. As for materials, you’ll need a computer running the required software.
Reviews
- 6 days ago
Excellent instructor! Outstanding course. Concepts are clearly explained. If you practice what you've learned, you will achieve success.
- 5 months ago
Hace rato quería un curso de esta índole y ha cumplido todas mis expectativas.
- 11 months ago
I thought it was a well thought out course and I got a lot out of it. From how you actually begin choosing the colors to how to apply to the web. I feel like it's going to take some more practice to get it just right but it will help as a foundation for anyone struggling with color selection.
- 11 months ago
nice course
- 1 year ago
Genial, el profe es un crack
After spending four years working with tech startups in Buenos Aires, Argentina, his perspective on design evolved, seeing the need to elevate the power of design and turn it into a more collaborative environment. James founded his design studio in Madrid, after a 6-month backpacking trip from Buenos Aires to New York, where he created whatmadeyouhappy.com, interviewing the people he met along the way. This experience laid the groundwork for his philosophy at Bridge: “life and business are all about making genuine connections and helping people.” Their most notable clients include Virgin, McCann, Sociably, IED Madrid, and more.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- Introduction
- Influences
- What Will We Do in This Course?
- U2
Understanding What Colour Is
- The Science of Colour, What Is It?
- The Basic Terminology of Colour
- Colour Interpretation in Different Cultures
- Colour Meaning: Psychology, Culture and Context
- U3
Creating and Applying a Colour Palette
- Harmony: Combining Hues Using the Colour Wheel
- Creating an Original Colour Palette
- Applying a Colour Palette to a Website
- Applying a Colour Palette to An Illustration
- U4
Post-production
- Tips for Fixing Bad Colours and Mistakes with Digital Illustrations
- Tips for Fixing Bad Colours and Mistakes on Websites
- What Are the Best Colours for Call to Action?
- FP
Final project
- Color Theory Applied to Online Projects
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
Watch professionally produced courses
Domestika curates its teacher roster and produces every course in-house to ensure a high-quality online learning experience.
FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for learners with some prior design experience who want to deepen their understanding of color theory, branding, and visual communication.
Basic knowledge of design principles and familiarity with digital design tools are recommended, but no advanced expertise is required.
You’ll learn how to create custom color palettes, apply color psychology, enhance brand identity, improve web design accessibility, and use color to evoke emotion and increase conversions.
Yes, the course covers strategic color selection for branding, web interfaces, and call to action elements, including cultural and psychological considerations.
Yes, you’ll learn best practices for accessible color combinations, contrast checking, and ensuring legibility for users with visual impairments.
The course teaches you how to use color psychology and symbolism to elicit specific emotions and build strong brand identities.
Yes, you’ll learn about additive and subtractive color models, when to use RGB or CMYK, and how they affect print and digital projects.