As mentioned previously, I like to take part in the community’s e-learning challenges. They’re great to practice ideas and learn more about using the e-learning software.
In a recent e-learning challenge, we were asked to create a demo module and use the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year (which is Living Coral). This came at a good time, as I was pulling together some content for a workshop and wanted to show a few different ideas around color in a course’s visual design. The examples below go from subtle to “in your face.”
Tip: Make Everything Greyscale & Use One Accent Color
One tip we share often is to make everything greyscale. And then select a single accent color. One benefit is that it tends to make the screen content look a bit more elegant. And the accent color really pops. And it gets rid of a lot of conflicting colors and helps direct the eye.
In the example above:
- Converted the car interior image to greyscale
- Used the Pantone color for the label markers
- Used a color schemer to create a second color to complement the Pantone accent color
Often less is more, and in this case getting rid of color in the image and working with one (or two accent) colors really makes them pop and it cleans up the visual design.
Tip: Make Everything Greyscale & Use One Accent Color
This other example is a bit more bold and in your face and it’s create to draw attention. I’d use it sparingly, but it’s great for making key points or title screens. And it’s easy to do.
Silhouettes are easy to create from people and objects. They work best with strong contrast. I like them because their ambiguous which comes in handy for people imagery.
- Create a bold background color
- Insert a character
- Adjust the brightness and contrast settings to create either a white or black silhouette.
Check out some of the other Pantone 2019 challenge entries. If you don’t participate in the e-learning challenges, you should. You’ll learn new things and be amazed at what others create and how different everyone is in approaching the same challenge.
If you do participate, write a post and share what you learned or a technique you used to build it.
Upcoming E-Learning Events
- May 19-22 (Washington DC). ATD International Conference & Expo. Come by the booth and say hi.
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- November 8 (Edinburgh, UK). Articulate Roadshow. Details coming soon.
- We’re currently working on additional locations and dates for 2019.
This piece was originally published on The Rapid E-Learning blog.