Healthcare app development is on the rise due to the increasing demand for patient-centred care and the need for more efficient healthcare services.
More people are using healthcare apps because they want to access medical services quickly and easily on their smartphones and other mobile devices.
According to Statista, the projected healthcare app user penetration in Malaysia will be 3.35% by 2023 and is expected to increase to 3.81% by 2027.
With healthcare apps, patients can conveniently access their medical records, schedule appointments, and even consult with healthcare providers remotely.
Yet, creating a healthcare app that is both visually appealing and easy to use may be tricky. The ideas of colour psychology and UX design principles come into play in this case.
Let's find out the ideal colours to use in healthcare app development to improve UX design.
What are Color Psychology and Color Theory?
Colour psychology is a field of study that explores how different colours can influence human emotions, perceptions, and behaviour.
Different colours can evoke different emotions and reactions, which can be used to influence user behaviour in healthcare app design.
On the other hand, colour theory involves understanding the relationships between primary, secondary, and tertiary colours, and how to use them effectively in design.
Designers use colour theory to create colour palettes that are harmonious and visually appealing. Understanding colour psychology and colour theory allows designers to develop a visual language that talks to people subconsciously.
How to Use Color Theory and Color Psychology in Healthcare App Design
Colour psychology has a significant impact on user experience and engagement. Here are several tips on how to use colour psychology in healthcare app design:
- Choose colours that are associated with the brand identity.
When designing for healthcare app development, use colour theory to reflect the app's purpose and brand identity. For example, using shades of blue that align with the logo's colour palette can strengthen the brand and create a cohesive feel for the app.
It is important to think about colour psychology and how different colours can affect users. For example, blue is often associated with trust and reliability, which can be helpful for healthcare organisations that want to build trust with their users.
- Create a peaceful and pleasant environment with colours.
Healthcare apps should be designed to create a calming and relaxing atmosphere for the users.
Studies have shown that the use of soft, muted colours, such as blues and greens, can positively impact the mood of users, leading to a better overall experience. Designers also could use relaxing graphics, such as natural landscapes or peaceful patterns, to increase the app's calming effect.
However, using too many colours or overly bright colours will cause anxiety or discomfort. To avoid this, designers should use a limited colour palette and consider the psychological impact of each colour before making design decisions.
- Colours to highlight important information.
Designers should consider using colours to highlight important information in their designs.
The technique is especially useful for call buttons, medication reminders, and other essential features that users need to interact with quickly. By choosing bright and attention-grabbing colours, designers can make it easier for users to identify and engage with these key elements.
- Use colours to guide users through the app.
Using a colour scheme to guide users through the app is an effective means of enhancing user experience.
Colours can also be used to differentiate between different features of the app. For example, if there is a messaging feature, a different colour scheme can be used to distinguish it from the rest of the app's features.
Best Colours to Use in Healthcare App Design
The best colours to use in healthcare app design will vary depending on the target audience and the specific needs of the app. Even so, some of the most popular colours for healthcare apps include:
1. Blue
Blue is known to evoke feelings of trust and security, making it a popular choice for healthcare app UX design.
The application of blue in healthcare applications can make users feel more at ease and comfortable when monitoring their health. Furthermore, the relaxing impact of the hue blue might be especially beneficial for individuals who are nervous or disturbed.
2. Green
Nature, health, and healing are all associated with the colour green because those colours are the colour of plants and trees.
Many medicinal plants and drugs are likewise green in hue. Green is a relaxing colour that can aid in the reduction of tension and anxiety. It is also a revitalising colour that helps boost mood and energy levels.
3. White
White is often associated with cleanliness and purity. White is a good choice for healthcare apps that need to create a sense of cleanliness and sterility.
But, if you are designing a healthcare app that wants to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, you might consider using other colours in addition to white.
4. Pink
Pink is a colour that has been used to represent various meanings throughout history. In Western cultures, it is often associated with love, compassion, and empathy, while in Eastern cultures, it is sometimes seen as a symbol of good health and fortune.
Adding pink shades to the healthcare app development can create a calming and comforting environment for patients and healthcare professionals.
5. Yellow
Yellow is a cheerful hue. Since it is the colour of the sun, it conjures up images of pleasant weather and joyful times.
Energy, joy, and playfulness are all associated with yellow. Healthcare app design that want to create a positive and uplifting experience should use yellow because it can help to improve mood and reduce stress.
Wrapping Up
Colour psychology plays an essential role in UX design for healthcare apps as it helps designers create visually appealing and user-friendly apps that meet the user's needs.
Designers can create a cohesive and visually appealing colour scheme that aligns with the healthcare app's purpose and brand identity by considering the user's emotions when selecting colours and utilising colour theory.
If you need help choosing the perfect colour for your healthcare app, our UX designers at VirtualSpirit are here to help. Discuss your project with us here.
