OUGD405 - Way-finding / Pantone Colour Selection

Having established which colours will be co-ordinated with each sector of Leeds city centre for the most appropriate, relevant and informed communication of the areas, confirmed in critique, I must now identify the specific shades/tones of the detailed hues:

Red (Civic), Yellow (Shopping), Green (Financial), Blue (Universities) and Orange (Eastgate).

I will be selecting both a light tone and a dark shade of the colours as to explore and experiment with tonal contrast - a vitally important visual aid in gaining attention and prominence within busy environments - such as Leeds City Centre.

CMYK values will be attached to these colours as this is the colour mode used in and for printed materials. 

Red - Civic Sector































Light Tone

This light, 'warm' tone of red is still identifiable as its original hue, rather than a lighter saturation of pink. The colour is bright, but not as intense as that used in the communication of danger allowing for clear distinction. Black type should still dominate the the tonal energy when used in conjunction with this tone.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 0
Magenta: 58
Yellow: 57
Key: 0





Dark Shade

This dark shade of red also differs from that used in signs of danger; It has a less artificial appearance. This shade would be easily seen set on white ground, with tonal contrast and energy being strong.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 0
Magenta: 86
Yellow: 63
Key: 0










Yellow - Shopping Sector


















Light Tone

This bright tone of yellow with higher light value is uplifting, suitable in association with shopping. Black typography on this colour ground would create distinct tonal contrast and therefore attract the gaze of persons within the Leeds City centre.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 1
Magenta: 0
Yellow: 48
Key: 0







Dark Shade

This shade of yellow, with a lesser light value, is intense enough to create a distinct tonal contrast with white ground. In large quantities it may be overpowering, however typo graphing setting in this colour should create an effective tonal balance.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 0
Magenta: 1
Yellow: 100
Key: 0








Green - Financial Sector


















Light Tone

A bright, almost mint-tone of this hue immediately establishes connection to finance through consideration of 'minting' coins, The Royal Mint etc. Its light tonal value would create strong tonal energy via contrast with black.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 39
Magenta: 0
Yellow: 25
Key: 0






Dark Shade

This darker shade of green is perhaps a more typical choice when first considering green, and the green space within the sector of the city. With clear definition between this shade and white, contrast is evident.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 93
Magenta: 0
Yellow: 63
Key: 0









Blue - University Sector

Light Tone

This intense light blue appears energetic and confident, reflecting the buzz of university life. When used in conjunction with black tonal energy and contrast should be enhanced.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 47
Magenta: 0
Yellow: 7
Key: 0







Dark Shade 

This deep blue immediately shows strong tonal contrast in addition to white. Distinct and dignified, this colour represents the strength of the Universities in the city, with three in such close proximity to one another.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 100
Magenta: 0
Yellow: 0
Key: 20








Orange -  Eastgate Sector




Light Tone

This softer light tone of orange may not be vibrant, however orange as a hue is a distinct colour that remains a statement no matter the light value.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 0
Magenta: 45
Yellow: 86
Key: 0







Dark Shade

Deep, Intense and bold, this statement colour represents the foreshadowed energy of the revived east sector of Leeds. The darker shade ensures tonal contrast.

CMYK Values: 

Cyan: 0
Magenta: 65
Yellow: 100
Key: 0








The colours detailed above will allow for apt exploration into tonal contrast, energy and variation within this formal element when applied to signage designs of the Leeds City centre
way finding system.