The internet, as it currently stands, is very modern and full of different colors, images, and sounds. As we all know, this is not always the case; in fact, some websites are designed to be as minimalistic as possible, using only black and white. Although this approach to web design may seem almost outdated or stilted, there is actually a lot to be said in favor of it.
Firstly, the use of black and white simplifies things immensely. It does away with the complexities of color, which can often be overwhelming for viewers if used in moderation. This makes it much easier for a user to focus on the content being presented on a particular web page, instead of being distracted by the colors. The stark contrast between the two colors also serves to highlight important items and pieces of information, drawing the viewers attention to them.
This may be especially useful in web design for businesses, given their need to look professional and reliable. Using black and white can help to signify that a business is established and stable, and has been around for a while without simply including an explicit mention of Established in some given year. It can also be the perfect way to establish a monochromatic branding look throughout all of a companys digital products.
Additionally, the binary aesthetic of black and white also lends itself well to conveying certain themes or aesthetics. An example may be evoking a more retro feel, making use of the noir stylings often seen in television, movies, posters, and other visual mediums. This simplification can also be used to create subtle but strong emotion in a website, by limiting the visuals to simple black and white imagery or text.
Lastly, the use of black and white can be much more efficient from a technical standpoint, given that it often requires fewer resources than sites that use multiple colors. This can help to improve load times, making sure that a websites users do not face any delays. It also allows for a website to be much more versatile and adjustable across different devices, given the relative simplicity of the color scheme.
In conclusion, for all of the above reasons, the use of black and white in web design is often undervalued, when in fact it can provide some of the most powerful visual cues and emotions. It can be the perfect choice for a business wanting to establish its place within their industry and gain instant trust, or for a creative wanting to evoke different feelings within their audience. With some careful consideration and implementation, black and white can be a great tool for any web designer to have in their bag of tricks.
