Unit 3 Concepts Flashcards
color scheme
the combination of colors we design for use in a document. In addition to adding contrast and emphasis, color in document design dramatically affects sequencing and grouping
hue
it refers to the place of a color in the visible spectrum of light; it is therefore the most common way in which we understand color
saturation
refers to the amount of hue in a color; it is measured in terms of intensity (strong, bold, soft, muted)
value
how “light” or “dark” a color appears
tinting
mixing hues with white which creates lighter value colors
shading
mixing hues with black which creates darker value colors
warm colors
perceived as active and energetic
cool colors
considered relaxed and thoughtful
neutral colors
has no pronounced affect on the document (grays and taupe)
color wheel
a representation of the perceptual color spectrum as a twelve-sectioned circle
harmonious colors
those that seem most like they “go together” or belong in the same document—can be found in selections of three colors equidistant around the color wheel
primary colors
the three colors that cannot be created by mixing others: red, yellow, and blue
complementary colors
colors that appear directly opposite each other on the color wheel. Large bodies of complementary colors placed next to each other produce tension and an unsettled feeling.
analogous colors
neighbors on the color wheel (3 or 4 together)
monochromatic color scheme
created from the colors (tints, tones, and shades) of a single base hue. The energy of monochromatic schemes is more subtle and peaceful due to a lack of contrast of hue. (They may also be considered boring unless there is diversity within the design.)
RGB color model
refers to the use of red, green, and blue as the basic colors from which all other hues are produced. This is the model used for on-screen design.
CMYK color model
refers to the use of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black as the basic colors from which all other hues are produced. It is the model of print, or what is also called 4-color (or full color process) printing.
process color
refers to any color that is added to a printed document by way of the standard process of mixing CMYK
spot color
refers to the addition of a special colored element (for example, a metallic or fluorescent ink) in an otherwise process-color document. These are hand-mixed inks or tints that are purchased ready-made from manufacturers such as Pantone, the most widely recognized producer of custom colors.
usability
refers to a human-made object’s capacity to meet its intended purpose for its intended audience/user. Three common aspects of usability are learnability, ease of use, and user satisfaction.
learnability
how quickly/effectively does the user learn what must be done to use the object as intended?
ease of use
how difficult is it for the user to use the object as intended? Is this level of difficulty appropriate to the difficulty of the object’s intended use?
user satisfaction
does the object meet the user’s needs to the degree intended?
usability testing
refers to the use of qualitative or quantitative methods to measure the usability of an object.
efficiency
how much time/how many steps did it take?
accuracy
how many mistakes were made?
recall
how well does the user retain understanding?
emotional response
how does the user feel about their interaction with the object?
hallway testing
selecting random users to test, especially in order to find “brick walls”
observations
monitoring (and sometimes recording) users in the process of attempting to use the object
think-aloud/talk-aloud protocols
monitoring users while they speak through their thoughts and responses in the process of intending to use the object
eye tracking
monitoring saccades for insight into user experience
focus group
talking with many users simultaneously, usually with a
moderator leading the discussion around pre-established questions
exit interviews/surveys
questioning after the fact for information about user experience
expert review or usability audit
often uses content-area experts to evaluate very specific aspects of usability, known as heuristic evaluation. Aspects of usability that are commonly subjected to expert review include:
• Help and documentation
• Standard compliance (such as ISO, ANSI, and so on)
• Culture-specific usability
• Accessibility and disability accommodation
• Aesthetics
