The Importance of Track and Contrast in Color Schemes: How these design elements can make or break your visual communication
When it comes to creating effective designs, color is one of the most important tools at your disposal. However, simply slapping any old colors together won't cut it - you need to consider a variety of factors if you want your visuals to make an impact.
Two of the most crucial elements in any color scheme are track and contrast. These design concepts are essential for creating a sense of visual hierarchy, making sure important elements stand out, and generally making your designs more legible and aesthetically pleasing.
What is Track?
Track refers to the spacing between letters and words in a block of text. This might seem like a small detail, but it can make a huge difference in how readable your content is. Setting your track too narrow can make text feel cramped and difficult to parse, while setting it too wide can create awkward gaps that make it hard to tell where one word ends and the next begins.
When it comes to track, the trick is to find the sweet spot that allows your text to breathe while still feeling cohesive. As a general rule, you should aim for a track that is approximately 120% of your font size - so if you're using 12pt text, your track should be around 14.4pt.
What is Contrast?
Contrast, on the other hand, refers to the difference between two colors. High contrast color schemes are often used to draw attention to important elements, while low contrast schemes can create a subtler, more unified look. When it comes to contrast, it's important to consider not just the colors themselves, but also their relative brightness and saturation.
One common mistake designers make is assuming that high contrast always means black and white. While black and white are certainly high contrast colors, they're not the only ones that can pack a punch. Bright, saturated hues like red and blue can also create a lot of contrast when used together, even if they're not as extreme as black and white.
The Importance of Getting it Right
So why does all this matter? Ultimately, track and contrast are both crucial for creating designs that are easy to read and understand. If your track is too tight, readers may struggle to make out individual words and phrases. If your contrast is too low, important elements may blend into the background, causing readers to miss key information.
On the other hand, getting track and contrast right can make a huge difference in how your designs are perceived. Well-chosen colors and appropriate track can make your content feel more professional and polished, while poorly-chosen colors and awkward track can make it feel amateurish and hard to read.
Conclusion
Ultimately, track and contrast are two of the most important elements of any color scheme. By choosing the right track and contrast for your designs, you can ensure that they're easy to read, aesthetically pleasing, and effective at communicating your message. So next time you're putting together a design, don't forget to pay attention to these two key elements - your readers (and your reputation) will thank you.