reading: The Art of Color [Johannes Itten],

New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1970; or
The Elements of Color: a treatise on the color system of Johannes Itten,
New York: John Wiley & Sons, 2003.
on regular reserve.

Sections to read:

• Color Physics
• Concord of Color
• Subjective Timbre
• Theory of Color Design
• 12 Part Color Circle
• the 7 Color Contrasts

Color theory involves physics, cognition, and aesthetics. It is a science and an art. In Itten's words, he writes about "the subjective experience and objective rationale of color." Color theory is a key to visual and interactive communication. This book unlocks mysteries of color harmony.

reading : Desiging with the Color blind in Mind

Some people have trouble differentiating colors, particularly red from green. This affects how we need to design foreground background relationships, especially when text is involved. Value contrast becomes critical.