Desiging for Education Colour Palettes

Desiging for Education Colour Palettes

Colour plays an important role in educational settings with the power to influence students’ emotions, cognitive abilities and overall learning experiences.

Colour Palette Recommendations by Age Group:

Early Childhood:

Preferred Colours: Bright, warm and high-contrasting colours such as red, yellow, blue and green.

Design Insight: Young children are naturally attracted to vibrant, bright colours which can stimulate engagement and excitement, and compliment their energetic, extrovered nature.

Primary School Age:

Preferred Colours: Vibrant but slightly more subtle colours like softer shades of blue, green and yellow.

Design Insight: As children grow, they respond well to colours that are lively without being overstimulating, supporting focus and learning.

Intermediate and High School:

Preferred Colours: Deeper, cooler colours such as navy blue, forest green and burgundy.

Design Insight: As students come into their teenage years, they tend to view primary colours as immature and prefer sophisticated tones that create a conducive learning environment.

Tertiary (University):

Preferred Colours: Neutral and muted tones like beige, grey and soft blues and greens.
Design Insight: Mature learners benefit from environments that are calming and free from distractions, aiding in concentration and study.

Green:

Associated with calmness and concentration; reduces anxiety.

Recommended use:  Effective in libraries and mental wellness rooms to create a safe, peaceful atmosphere.

Blue:

Calming and promotes productivity; associated with improved focus.

Recommended use: Ideal for classrooms and study areas to enhance concentration.

Yellow:

Bright and energetic; can enhance mood but may cause eye strain if overused.

Recommended use: Best used as an accent to stimulate creativity without overwhelming the senses.

Orange:

Warm and inviting; stimulates social interaction.

Recommended use: Suitable for cafeterias and common areas to encourage communication.

Red:

High energy and stimulating; can increase heart rate and arousal.

Recommended use: Suitable for areas requiring physical activity, such as gymnasiums. Not recommended for classrooms as it may cause agitation.

Purple:

Combines the focus of blue and the energy of red; can inspire creativity.

Recommended use: Appropriate for art rooms and creative spaces.

Grey:

Associated with calmness and neutrality; combined with stimulating colours it promotes balance.

Recommended use: Use to balance feature colours, allowing for a more focused visual hierarchy where brighter elements stand out. 

Ultimately, the colour scheme should aim to support the overall function of the school and the tasks carried out in it, avoid over or under-stimulation and contribute to the creation of a positive, supportive learning environment.