Color Theory Essentials / Overview
Design & Color · Design track
Color Theory Essentials
Understand color at a fundamental level — how it works, how it combines, and how to use it effectively. From color models and harmony through contrast and palette building, every lesson pairs concept with hands-on tools.
Course progress0% · 0/27 lessons
Modules
Module 1 · Foundations
How color works
RGB, HSL, and the two ways color mixes — the foundation for everything that follows.
3 lessons
Module 2 · Foundations
Thinking in HSL
Hue, saturation, and lightness — the model that matches how humans perceive color.
3 lessons
Module 3 · Palettes
Color harmony & relationships
Build palettes that feel intentional using proven hue relationships.
3 lessons
Module 4 · Accessibility
Contrast & readability
Make content readable for everyone — contrast fundamentals and accessibility standards.
3 lessons
Module 5 · Application
Building real palettes
From theory to practice — construct functional, accessible color systems.
3 lessons
Module 6 · Context
Color Psychology & Meaning
How colors evoke emotion and carry cultural meaning across different industries.
3 lessons
Module 7 · Advanced
Advanced Color Spaces
Moving beyond HSL to perceptually uniform spaces like OKLCH.
2 lessons
Module 8 · Application
UI Color Strategies
Rules and techniques for applying color effectively in User Interfaces.
3 lessons
Module 9 · Application
Gradients and Blending
Creating smooth transitions without muddy middles.
2 lessons
Module 10 · Application
Color in Data Visualization
Using color to communicate numbers and categories accurately.
2 lessons