What is the definition of a triad color scheme?

A triad color scheme is defined by the use of three colors that are equally spaced around the color wheel. This means that if you were to draw an equilateral triangle on the color wheel, each point of the triangle would represent a color that is part of the triad. The colors chosen in this way typically provide a balanced and harmonious look, offering vibrant contrast while remaining cohesive. This dynamic combination allows for various creative applications in design, where the interplay of colors can enhance the visual appeal of compositions.

The other options describe different color relationships or schemes that do not accurately fit the definition of a triad. For instance, four colors equally spaced describe a tetradic scheme, adjacent colors denote an analogous scheme, and two colors with a shared primary parent refer to a complementary or biadic scheme. Each of these alternatives has its unique characteristics and uses in design, but they do not conform to the specific criteria of a triad color scheme.