One way to draw attention to something specific on a web page is to employ contrast. Visual contrast happens when two elements on the page are different. For example, a bright red button placed on a page where all the other elements are neutral or grey-coloured would stand out very clearly. Employing contrast in your design is a fairly straightforward way to guide a visitor's attention through a web page.
Furthering the example of the red button on a grey website – let's say the purpose of the button is to guide visitors to a sign-up page. All the other elements and text on the page can support that one element, which stands out thanks to the use of contrast, and thus creates more signups for the service. This is sort of the archetypal explanation of using contrast.
Contrast isn't just to do with colour. It can be differentiation due to any number of graphical elements
Contrast isn't just to do with colour. It can be differentiation due to shape, size, pattern or any number of other graphical elements. Even letterforms in varying typefaces can create contrast that viewers will notice. Think about a bullet-pointed list in the middle of a long page of copy; it will really stand out. You can also use contrast in the opposite way, to hide something or make it less noticeable – for example, a byline or legal disclaimer.
Contrast is one of the basic design fundamentals we learn early on in an art class but like all basic principles I find I forget about it from time to time. Returning to the basics is always helpful when we want to get the job done.
Here are three examples of how to use contrast in your designs...
01. Invision (opens in new tab)
The UX prototyping app Invision uses a bright pink highlight to make the sign-up button stand out boldly on the home page.
02. Harvest (opens in new tab)
The pricing page on the time-tracking app Harvest uses contrast to make the different product plans stand out. Also, can you spot the 'Free' plan? Contrast is used to ensure it's almost hidden.
03. Hacker News
The web industry news website Hacker News does not employ a good use of contrast. Generally speaking, it is rather difficult to scan the headlines, even though that is all there is to look at on the page.
Words: Gene Crawford
This article originally appeared in net magazine (opens in new tab) issue 260.
