8 Common UI Color Mistakes

Common UI color mistakes can ruin even the best designs. That can quickly lead to a frustrating user experience and poor visual appeal.

Color plays such a crucial role in user interface design. It can make a huge difference in how users perceive and interact with the product you have created. From using too many colors to poor contrast choices, these mistakes can make your interface less effective and more challenging to navigate.

In this article, we will go through some of the most common UI color mistakes designers can make. Are you ready? Let’s dive in!

As we already mentioned, UI color mistakes can ruin even the best designs, so it’s important to remember the power of color in UI design.

Colors can evoke emotions, create contrast, and even provide emphasis. That’s why designers must use color wisely.

Since there are so many common mistakes you can make when choosing colors for your UI designs, we’re here to break them down for you.

The first UI color mistake we will break down is using too many colors.

Beginners often need to include as many colors as possible in their UI designs. One reason they might do that is that they think the design looks more appealing that way.

But the opposite is true. Using too many colors can be overwhelming for users. It can also make the design look chaotic and very unprofessional.

Our tip is to limit the number of colors you use to two or three. It is recommended to have variations of those colors, like tints and shades. But remember that sometimes, even using one color can be enough. Monochromatic color palettes can be ideal for certain project types.

Another one on the list of UI color mistakes is inconsistent color usage.

For example, let’s say you are using blue everywhere to signal actions and interactivity. Using that blue color for a decorative icon can lead users to think that the icon is clickable or tappable.

You can avoid that confusion by assigning specific meanings to different hues and using them consistently. This will help create a better user experience and enhance your design.

UI color mistakes can feel overwhelming to users, just like clashing colors in your designs. Clashing colors can be very hard on the eyes and make it difficult for the user to read and navigate the design.

To avoid doing that, it is important to choose colors that complement each other. That way, you are going to create a harmonious color scheme.

You can also use tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to create a color scheme that works for your design and aligns with the brand’s values.

Colors play a significant role in brand recognition. They can greatly impact how your users perceive and remember your brand.

You must choose colors that align with your brand’s values, personality, and overall identity.

If you’re designing for a brand that is all about health and wellness, you might want to use calming colors such as blue and green. These colors promote relaxation and tranquility.

But, if the brand you’re designing for is all about excitement and energy, you might want to use bold and bright colors, such as reds and oranges. These colors convey a sense of enthusiasm.

You should avoid using colors that don’t align with your brand. Using those can confuse the users and create a disconnect between the product and the brand identity.

Another one on the list of UI color mistakes is following trends for the sake of it.

This usually leads to a trend you have followed for the design going out of fashion, and then you’re left with having to start again from scratch.

There were so many trends by this point. There was a period when flat colors were all the rage. Then it was all about bluish-purplish gradients at one point, too.

Sure, keeping up with trends creates a sense of modernity and liveliness for your brand. But you should always be careful about following them.

Always focus on the desired outcome users try to fulfill when using the product you have designed.

Have you ever wanted to use a color but thought, “Is this too wild?” “Anything bold is too risky for me.” We’ve got you!

Not being bold enough is the next one on our UI color mistakes list. But this mistake does depend on the context of your project. We highly encourage you to play with color first and then judge it in context.

Remember, sometimes playing too safe is the biggest risk of all!

Using pure black and pure white together is probably one of the biggest UI color mistakes you can make.

When you use pure black and pure white together, you create a clashing contrast that is extremely hard on the eyes.

While high contrast is crucial for accessibility, using pure black and pure white can be jarring and uncomfortable for users. This is why we have prepared a few tips for you on using contrast correctly in your projects.

Colored text and opacity can help you avoid making mistakes while creating contrast in your projects.

Did you know that certain color combinations can be difficult or impossible for color-blind users to distinguish? That’s why it’s important to use color palettes accessible to all users, regardless of their visual impairments.

To create an accessible color palette, you must use high-contrast colors together. It’s also crucial to avoid using color alone to convey important information.

Tools like WebAIM’s contrast checker are a great way to ensure your color combinations are accessible.

Edgy colors that keep usability as an afterthought can result in a confusing interface. This makes users work a lot harder than they need to.

If you’re interested in learning more about accessibility in design, check out our blog. We have a few articles on the topic.

To avoid making these UI color mistakes, it is crucial to understand how powerful color is as a tool in UI design. We should learn how to use it wisely.

It’s also crucial to limit the number of colors, choose complementary colors, and ensure accessibility in your design. By following these steps, you, as a designer, will meet all the essential aspects of using color successfully in UI design.

You can create visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly designs by avoiding the UI color mistakes mentioned. And remember, when it comes to color, less is often more!

We hope this article helped you understand the importance of using color wisely in UI design. However, if you’re still struggling with choosing colors and applying them intentionally, we highly suggest checking out our Ultimate UI Colors Masterclass! This thorough and practical UI colors video course will help you elevate this essential skill to another level and enhance your designs forever. From theory to practical tasks – this Masterclass has it all.

By incorporating the tips and strategies mentioned, you can ensure your projects are usable and enjoyable for everyone. Remember, thoughtful design can make a significant difference.

We’d love to invite you to take a look at our Instagram page. It’s a community filled with amazing aspiring designers who are creating a more inclusive world through their incredible designs.