Do you think colours influence web viewers?

[fran123]

Hi all
I am a newbie to the forum I hope I've posted this in the most appropriate section. I am new in graphic and web design. I've decided to investigate how colour may influence a viewer visiting a website. If you could spare me a few moments to answer my questions it would help me out enormously!
So...
When visiting a website do you pay any particular attention to the colour scheme? I.e. how well thought out it is and how it fits in with the overall theme of the website and its purpose?
Have you found that web designers tend to stick to pastel colours when designing female orientated websites? Or does anything go?
What would you consider to be the 'safest' colour scheme which will work with practically any website and why?

Thanks very much in advance!
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Outsourcing software development (http://www.infysolutions.com)

[msbrad]

I like attractive sites. I often think, hmmm wonder how they did that, but I don't dwell on it.
The color scheme does not draw me in or send me away. I go to sites where:
a. it is something I want to buy
b. gain information
c. (forums), has people I like to chat with.
m

[Bayla]

I'm with Michelle on this one. I don't usually think about the colours used, although occasionally I'll say to myself 'I like that'. I'm definitely put off by a website that uses garish, clashing colours....it has the same effect on me as going into a shop (usually a sports shop for some reason) with loud, banging music - I like my shopping experiences, whether on the web or in a store, to be calm, and I'm likely to walk out of a shop or click off a website if it isn't!

Bayla

[SharLamb]

I am also impressed with CALMness. It says, "I am a classy place." I don't like sensory overload. Garish colors say, "My product stinks so I need to draw attention away from what's important."

JMHO

Shar