The Language of Color
http://eserver.org/courses/w01/tc510/hades/dowd1.htm

Dowd, Tim
EServer
2001

Abstract:

Color motivates, excites, draws attention and provides emphasis.  It is one part of the coordinated effort to effectively communicate in information design. Color has long been thought to be only for embellishment or decoration. But if used intelligently, color can help give visual order to complex information. It can attract, enlighten and engage, and thus, add value.