Color System

A color scheme consists of carefully selected colors and combinations aimed at enhancing design across platforms. By standardizing these colors, we ensure consistency and coherence that reinforce Harvard’s brand identity while creating an engaging user experience. This approach also allows content creators to communicate effectively through color.

A robust color system is crucial for maintaining brand consistency across Harvard Schools and units. It provides the flexibility for each unit to personalize its digital presence while ensuring alignment with Harvard’s Accessibility Policy and readability for all users. Importantly, involving the school community in the decision-making process ensures that the color system resonates with their unique identities. Scalability is also key, allowing the color system to evolve with design trends and technologies. This balance strengthens Harvard’s overall digital communication and fosters greater user engagement.

Ultimately, an adaptable and accessible color system not only maintains Harvard’s brand continuity but also empowers schools to connect meaningfully with their communities.

We recognized that the color scheme for the Harvard Design system must:

• Use color intentionally to support brand identity: Allow each Harvard School or unit to integrate its unique brand colors within a consistent framework.
• Make color accessible: Align with WCAG 2.1 AA contrast guidelines to enhance readability and support users with disabilities. The design system must not rely solely on color for communication.
• Use color roles: Apply color consistently to components, text, buttons and navigation. This facilitates identification and communicates functionality.

To achieve these goals, the approach includes:

• Communal Support: Collaborate with schools and units to ensure the color scheme aligns with overarching brand identity.
• Color Naming Convention: Establish a clear naming convention for colors to streamline communication and accessibility.
• Light and Dark Variations: Use a combination of primary and secondary colors along with light and dark variations to ensure sufficient contrast and support design flexibility.
• Stakeholder Input: Involve stakeholders in defining theme variations, ensuring that the system evolves alongside user needs and technological advancements.