Secondary colors in a design system are those colors that complement and highlight the primary colors, used mostly in a limited way to help specific UI elements stand out.
How Secondary Colors Function
Here's a breakdown of how secondary colors work within a design system:
- Complementary Role: Secondary colors are not meant to be dominant. They work with the primary color to create a balanced and visually interesting palette.
- Highlighting: They are employed to draw attention to specific interactive elements like buttons, links, and important notifications.
- Branding: Secondary colors are often derived from the brand's guidelines and should reflect the personality and values of the organization.
- Section Navigation: Secondary colors can be used to help keyboard users navigate through different sections of a website or app.
Practical Insights into Secondary Color Usage
- Limited Palette: A brand usually has a limited number of secondary colors, typically between one and six. This helps in maintaining visual consistency.
- Strategic Application: Secondary colors are often used for:
- Call-to-action buttons
- Interactive icons
- Progress indicators
- Section headers
- Accents and highlights in text
Example Use Cases
Let’s say a company's primary color is blue, then the secondary colors could be:
| UI Element | Secondary Color | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Call-to-action Button | Orange | Highlights an important action |
| Progress Bar | Green | Indicate process completion |
| Error Message | Red | Alerts user of a problem |
Why are secondary colors important?
- Visual Hierarchy: They help to establish a clear hierarchy and guide the user's eye through the interface.
- Improved User Experience: By highlighting important actions and elements, they contribute to an intuitive and user-friendly design.
- Brand Identity: They reinforce the brand's personality and create a unique visual identity.
- Accessibility: They enhance navigation and useability for all users.
Key Takeaways
- Secondary colors are used sparingly in design systems.
- They are used to complement primary colors and highlight UI elements.
- Brands often use one to six secondary colors to aid in brand identity and section navigation.
