Colour Psychology in Design: How Colours Influence Perception & Decision

Colour Psychology in Design: How Colours Influence Perception & Decisions

Colours don’t just make designs look pretty—they trigger emotions, shape perceptions, and even drive purchasing decisions. This is the power of colour psychology, a crucial tool for designers, marketers, and brands.

At Glu Group, we use colour psychology to craft designs that connect, persuade, and convert. In this guide, we’ll break down:

✔ What colour psychology is

✔ How different colours influence behaviour

✔ How to apply this to your branding & design


What Is Colour Psychology?

Colour psychology studies how different hues affect human emotions and decision-making. Since 90% of snap judgments about products are based on colour alone, choosing the right palette is critical for:

  • Brand recognition (e.g., Coca-Cola red, Tiffany blue)
  • Emotional impact (calm vs. energetic)
  • User experience (readability, conversions)

The Meaning Behind Common Colours

1. Red – Urgency & Passion

  • Emotions: Excitement, urgency, love
  • Use Cases: Sales, food brands, call-to-action buttons
  • Example: Netflix uses red to create excitement.


2. Blue – Trust & Stability

  • Emotions: Calm, professionalism, reliability
  • Use Cases: Finance, healthcare, corporate brands
  • Example: Facebook and LinkedIn use blue for trust.


3. Green – Growth & Nature

  • Emotions: Health, sustainability, wealth
  • Use Cases: Eco-friendly brands, organic products
  • Example: Starbucks uses green to emphasise freshness.


4. Yellow – Optimism & Energy

  • Emotions: Happiness, warmth, creativity
  • Use Cases: Children’s brands, promotions
  • Example: McDonald’s golden arches evoke positivity.


5. Black – Luxury & Sophistication

  • Emotions: Elegance, power, exclusivity
  • Use Cases: High-end fashion, premium products
  • Example: Apple uses black for sleek, minimalist branding.


6. Purple – Creativity & Royalty

  • Emotions: Imagination, luxury, spirituality
  • Use Cases: Beauty, artistic brands
  • Example: Cadbury uses purple for indulgence.


How Colour Psychology Affects Design Choices

1. Brand Identity

  • A tech startup might use blue for trust, while a wellness brand may choose green for natural vibes.
  • Example: A bank’s logo in blue signals security.


2. Marketing & Conversions

  • Red “Buy Now” buttons create urgency.
  • Green packaging suggests eco-friendliness.


3. Cultural & Industry Context

  • In Western cultures, white = purity, but in some Asian cultures, it symbolises mourning.
  • Healthcare brands often use blue/white for cleanliness.


4. User Experience (UX)

  • High-contrast colours (black text on white) improve readability.
  • Warm colours (orange, red) attract attention (great for CTAs).


Need Help Choosing the Right Colours?

At Glu Group, we don’t just design—we strategise colours for maximum impact. Whether you’re launching a brand or refreshing an existing one, we can help:

✅ Audit your current colour scheme

✅ Develop a psychology-backed palette

✅ Apply it consistently across print & digital


📩 Contact us today—let’s make your brand colours work harder for you!

Location: New Zealand

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