People react to different colors based on their culture, religion, upbringing, and/or personality. But there’s one most powerful color which could work for all of us independent of our nationality and background.
Researchers suggest that this magic color is red.
Red Color: General Findings
Image by shutterstock
Red Color Physics
Recognized as a powerful stimulant, red is the hottest of the warm colors. Red activates our pituitary gland and increases our heart rate. Red also stimulates metabolism and increases appetite. It thus accounts for such feelings as hunger, excitement, determination, desire and courage.
Red is also a perfect attention grabber.
Red is the first color you lose sight of at twilight.
Red Color (Cultural) Associations
In most countries, color red is associated with the rich and powerful:
- In China, red, the color of fire, symbolizes good fortune and joy.
- Red symbolizes feast days in the Catholic church.
- Is Russia, red represents beauty and power.
- In India, a red mark on the forehead is believed to bring good luck.
It has also been found that red is the color of both female and male attraction. It is equally seductive for both the genders. Both culturally and biologically, females and males are viewed more attractive when dressed in red:
Red Color and Impulse Buying
If a good color sells, the right color sells better. According to various research results, color can account for 55% -60% of the acceptance or rejection of a product or service.
Red color is well-known for its impact on impulse shoppers. Research shows, that the two most powerful tools to make impulse shoppers act is to make a bright package and offer coupon codes.
Red is the most efficient color when it comes to encouraging an impulse shopper to buy something:
- Impulse shoppers are much more likely to buy something unplanned if they are distracted while shopping <- Red is the most effective attention grabber and distractor.
- Impulse shoppers have been found to react to bright colors and high-contrast colors <- Red is the best color to create a bright palette.
Red can’t be overdone though because too much of this color would make the interface or interior too cluttered and distracting.
Red Color in Web Design
Red color is a powerful design tool but it should be used with caution. It can attract attention, stick in mind and prompt the user to act – but when overdone, this color could make the interface or interior too cluttered and distracting.
In web design, red is almost idea for logo design. Red logos are almost impossible to forget which makes them perfect tool for branding.
Do you like red? Or do you think it’s a too dangerous color to play with? Let’s discuss!
