If you go outside the 216 color palette you start to use colors that
do not exist within that browser. The browser has to mix the colors that
do not exist. In order for the browser to display the color, it needs
to take tiny dots from the colors native to that browser to come up with
an approximate color. This is known as dithering. Some displays will distort
the tiny dots to the point where the image is so speckled that it does
not appear to be a solid color. This makes text very hard to read if it
is placed over the dithered color. You should always use a browser safe
color when using solid color as a design element. Some of the browser
safe colors should be used with caution though.
Most of the eye operations are muscular and just like all other muscles
it tires out. I will illustrate with an example. (This is a test I learned
about 7 years ago and is very effective to get the point across). This
is a simple test that should take only 45 seconds. If you do this short
test, you will be better able to understand what I'm about to say. Go
to this page and then come back. http://www.designmore.com/ctesta.htm
What did you see when you looked at the white box? Did you see a bluish
green color? (If not go back and do the test over). No this is not a trick
or hallucination. There is a simple explanation. Without getting too technical,
I'll tell you what just happened. In the back of your eye there is a thin
layer of tissue that contains millions of tiny light-sensing nerve cells
called rods and cones. Cones respond to specific wavelengths of light.
Your eye is filled with color decoding cones. When you looked at the red
box the cones that detect the red wavelength become tired and fatigued.
When this happens the opposite cones in your eye start to kick in. Hence
the bluish green color you saw. Now that you know there is a scientific
reason behind eye fatigue you should apply it to your Web site.
I'm sure you have you noticed that caution signs are usually yellow.
Pure yellow strains your eye more than any other color because of that,
it is the first color your eye will fix on. Using these colors (I still
advise you to use it sparingly) for banners and advertisements will receive
more attention from the viewer's eye. Once the visitor comes to your site
there is really no reason you should irritate the visitor with bright
colors. You have done a good job if they are viewing your site.
You should use yellow and red colors sparingly in your Web site itself.
Only use them in areas where you want the visitor to focus on. Do not
make large parts of your Web site with bright color. It might get your
visitors attention but they will either consciously or subconsciously
notice their eyes getting fatigued. This will make them not want to look
at your web site for long periods of time. There are enough reasons why
a visitor would leave your Web site. You don't need to add to that list
by using irritating color.
