Course content

• Light, colour and the human visual system
• Colour mixing principles on computer systems
• Colour harmony and colour contrast
• Digital colours
• Use of colour and meaning, colour semantics
• Colour ordering systems
• Using colour and colour contrast to enhance user interaction
• Colour-related aspects of universal design

Learning outcome

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of colour perception and its impact on the design of computer-based graphics. Students will be able to apply principles of colour harmony and skills in the selection of colour to their design of screen-based media including user interfaces. Students will also learn about the problems faced by users with colour vision deficiencies and how to apply universal design principles.

Expected knowledge:

• Describe features of the human visual system and colour perception applicable to screen-based design.
• Demonstrate knowledge of colour vision defects and how they are addressed in universal design.
• Show an understanding of colour palettes and their use to screen-based design.

Expected skills:

• Demonstrate principles of colour harmony.
• Demonstrate methods of selecting and encoding colours for screen-based design.
• Apply an understanding of colour perception to interface design.

Expected general competence:

• Demonstrate basic theoretical and practical knowledge in terms of assessment of the design of user interfaces as well as to generate new user interface that is consistent with universal design.
• Demonstrate an understanding of universal design principles in the use of colour in user interfaces, especially in relation to vision defects.

Learning methods and activities

-Lecture

-Group work

-Lab exercise

-Mandatory exercise

Compulsory assignments

• 2 required courseworks

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

The course is limited to students in the program Bachelor in Interaction Design

Course materials

Rhyne Theresa-Marie, Applying Color Theory to Digital Media and Visualization, CRC Press; 1 edition (2017)

Additional literature:

Teigen Tom, Farger en visuell innføring, Gyldendal Norsk Forlag AS 2004

Valberg Arne, Fargenes verden, Tapir Akademisk Forlag, 2009

Chisholm, W. and May, M. (2008) Universal Design for Web Applications: Web Applications That Reach Everyone, O'Reilly Media

Berns, R. (2000) Billmeyer and Saltzman’s principles of colour technology NY: Wiley

Lecture notes