Abstract:

This study uses historic data collected from real websites related to fields of science and education in order to study their aesthetic evolution during the course of time. The collected information is analyzed through color and color-combination identification algorithms and used to identify important trends in color usage and discuss its importance in the user experience (UX) offered to visitors.

The use of color in website design plays a pivotal role in shaping user perception and interaction. Color can be used to affect observers, evoke emotions and different color schemes can have a very controlled influence on mood. Different color combinations can be used to convey specific messages and communicate the identity of a brand to a selected audience. The use of a black or white background, different colors or color combinations and other variables related to color such as hue, saturation and contrast play a significant role in user satisfaction, usability and accessibility. With that in mind, it is made clear that color use in websites related to the fields of science and education is an important factor in user engagement and emotional response.

As technology advances and design trends shift, so do the preferences and strategies related to color selection. As mentioned, in the present study the dynamic evolution of color implementation in scientific and educational website design is analyzed, tracing a timeline of trends and shifts over a decade. Based on archival data and by implementing an automated procedure, images are generated from the central page of popular scientific and educational websites over time. Through a specially designed algorithm based on color theory, these images are then analyzed and various parameters associated with the use of color are measured and evaluated. These parameters include the use of color combinations, the use of specific shades as main or background colors and more. Using the Red-Yellow-Blue (RYB) color model, the algorithm can assign each color used to the equivalent main color on the RYB color wheel. Using the same color model, the algorithm can identify the color used for empty space and can determine if an effective color combination is used based on the dominant colors used on the website design.

Understanding the evolution of the use of color in website design is crucial for scientific organizations and educational institutions aiming to enhance the user experience offered by their Web presence as well as increase brand recognition and visitor satisfaction. By analyzing past and contemporary practices of color implementation, this research offers valuable insights for optimizing website design strategies in the digital age.

Keywords:

Colors, Web Design, Web Archaeology, User Experience, Education, Science.