Colour is communication, not decoration

A useful colour system tells people what matters, what belongs together and what action is possible.

Name the responsibility of each colour

We avoid starting with a large palette. First we identify the jobs colour needs to perform: create recognition, establish hierarchy, signal interaction, organise categories or support accessibility. A colour without a responsibility quickly becomes an argument about personal taste.

Build contrast into the system

Accessibility should not be added after the expressive palette is approved. We test foreground and background combinations while the system is being developed, including hover, disabled and focus states. This often produces better design because limitations force clearer roles.

Use intensity with intention

A bright accent becomes weaker when it appears everywhere. We define where high-intensity colour is allowed and where neutral space should carry the content. Restraint gives the strongest moments more authority.

Prepare for real environments

Colours behave differently on coated paper, office printers, projectors and uncalibrated phones. A complete system includes practical alternatives rather than pretending every environment will reproduce the preferred version perfectly.

A working checklist

• Recognition
• Hierarchy
• Interaction
• Organisation
• Accessibility

Colour becomes meaningful through consistent use, not through the number of shades in the palette.