# Care Count - Laurier University Color Scheme Update

## 🎨 Color Scheme Changes

The Care Count app has been updated to match the Wilfrid Laurier University website color scheme for a more professional and cohesive brand experience.

### Updated Color Palette

| Element | Old Color | New Color | Description |
|---------|-----------|-----------|-------------|
| **Primary Purple** | `#6d28d9` | `#6b46c1` | More vibrant Laurier purple |
| **Primary Gold** | `#fde047` | `#fbbf24` | Warmer, more professional gold |
| **Background** | `#0b1420` (dark) | `#f9fafb` (light gray) | Clean, light background |
| **Secondary Background** | `#0f1a2a` (dark) | `#312e81` (purple) | Subtle purple accent |
| **Card Background** | Dark theme | White | Clean, professional cards |
| **Text Color** | `#f3f4f6` (light) | `#1f2937` (dark) | High contrast dark text |

### Design Changes

#### 1. **Hero Section**
- **Background**: Solid Laurier purple (`#6b46c1`)
- **Layout**: Left-aligned text (matching Laurier website)
- **Typography**: Larger, more prominent headings
- **Effects**: Subtle gradient overlay for depth

#### 2. **Cards & Components**
- **Background**: Clean white cards with subtle shadows
- **Borders**: Light gray borders with purple hover effects
- **Hover Effects**: Subtle lift animation with purple accent

#### 3. **Status Cards**
- **Background**: White with light shadows
- **Values**: Purple text for metrics
- **Labels**: Dark gray for better readability

#### 4. **Form Elements**
- **Inputs**: White background with light gray borders
- **Focus States**: Purple border with subtle glow
- **Buttons**: Laurier purple with white text

#### 5. **Overall Layout**
- **Background**: Light gray (`#f9fafb`) for better readability
- **Typography**: Dark text for high contrast
- **Spacing**: Consistent with Laurier design principles

### Benefits of the New Color Scheme

1. **Brand Consistency**: Matches Laurier University's official colors
2. **Better Readability**: Light background with dark text improves accessibility
3. **Professional Appearance**: Clean, modern design that builds trust
4. **Improved Contrast**: Better visibility for all users
5. **Mobile Friendly**: Light theme works better on mobile devices

### Technical Implementation

The color scheme is implemented using CSS custom properties (variables) in the `ui_improvements.py` file:

```css
:root {
    --primary-purple: #6b46c1;  /* Laurier purple */
    --primary-gold: #fbbf24;    /* Laurier gold */
    --primary-dark: #1e1b4b;    /* Deep purple background */
    --secondary-dark: #312e81;  /* Slightly lighter purple */
    /* ... other colors */
}
```

### Accessibility Improvements

- **High Contrast**: Dark text on light background meets WCAG guidelines
- **Focus States**: Clear purple focus indicators
- **Color Independence**: Information not conveyed by color alone
- **Readable Typography**: Improved font weights and sizes

### Future Considerations

The new color scheme provides a solid foundation for:
- **Dark Mode Toggle**: Easy to implement with CSS variables
- **Brand Customization**: Colors can be easily adjusted
- **Seasonal Themes**: Framework supports theme variations
- **Accessibility**: Built-in support for high contrast modes

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**Result**: The Care Count app now has a professional, Laurier-branded appearance that matches the university's website while maintaining excellent usability and accessibility.