OUGD404: Top Colour Trends of 2016

Design principles has allowed me to focus my interest onto colours and how important their influence is in the design industry. A single colour can portray a number of messages and as designers, we have the job of selecting the most appropriate ones for the particular design work.
Designers need to be aware of the trends in Graphic Design as they are something seen to be both positive and negative. 
In my opinion, the trends in Graphic Design are important to consider when producing more commercial designs or designs for popular culture. I think breaking away from the trends is also important for smaller projects or things that do not already have a strong established identity.

The 'Computer Arts Magazine' publish articles on the colour trends each year and the 2016 one focuses on how the choice of colour can instantly affect the design and the judgement that will be made about it. 

Studies have shown that 90% of our snap judgements made about products can be based on colour alone, showing that colour choice as a Graphic Designer is very important. 


1. Less is best 

The simplicity trend has been developing since 2013, but the 2016 versions have been developed enough to stand the test of time. The limited colour palette of consists of black, white and greys which all offer clarity, as the large choice of colours could easily lead to visual (over)stimulation. 


2. Blue hues

There has been a recent appreciation of the nuance, richness and meaning of the colour blue within branding. It has started to be used in many different ways such as flat, deep, watery, marble, oxidised aquamarine and recycled denim. As this colour seems to hold a lot of messages, it is important for the designer to decide if it is the most appropriate colour choice and not base this decision only on the visual aesthetic it creates. 


3. Colour healing 

The soft ombres and warm tones have started to be used more and more in 2016, focusing on wellness, mindfulness, escape and relaxation. The digital lifestyles we now possess often prevents relaxation and disrupts sleep, causing our circadian rhythm to be unnatural. 
Designers have started to design products that use the soothing, warm orange that is thought to counteract the blue light from the digital interfaces. 


4. Industrial pastels

Mint green and powdered shades of pink seem to be popularly used in a large quantity and expansive form. This trend is gender neutral and sophisticated.