The research of Johannes Itten is important and should be understood by design practitioners who wish to employ contrast of colour to evoke a desired reaction in their design’s onlooker.
Colour is one of the elements of design; “[it] can make designs more visually interesting and aesthetic, and can reinforce the organization and meaning of elements in a design” (Lidwell, Holden, Butler, 2003). One of the more effective ways to use colour as an element is through exercising contrast. When in design, contrast illustrates an element in opposition. This essay will examine how the research and teachings of Johannes Itten aids practitioners to consciously make use of contrast in design. The examination will progress through looking at Itten’s seven contrasts.