Simultaneous Contrast

Simultaneous Contrast is the ability of one color placed next to its complementary color to enhance the vibrancy of both colors. This is because of the ways the cones in the human eye work. When looking at one color, our eyes compensate by creating an afterimage in the complementary color. This afterimage combines optically with the complimentary color to create a more vibrant color. Common simultaneous contrasts include red-green, blue-orange, and yellow-purple.