Save Bright or Saturated Colors for Special Uses

Bright or saturated colors draw immediate attention, but only if used in limited amounts. They are useful for error messages, annotations, urgent commands, and, when simultaneously emphasized by a font change or special placement, key words. Used together, saturated colors (especially saturated complements) are extremely fatiguing, causing the eye to constantly refocus. The effect produces after-images. Except for unusual circumstances where visual vibration may be desired, combinations of bright or saturated colors should be avoided.