Effective Use of Colors in
Data Visualization
Use a limited color palette
Avoid using too many colors. A limited palette helps to maintain
clarity and prevents the visualization from becoming
overwhelming.
Too many colors ✓ Limited Color Palette
Choose contrasting colors
Ensure there is enough contrast between colors to make
different elements easily distinguishable, especially for text and
background combinations.
Text is blending into the Text is easily distinguishable
background
✓
from the background
This is difficult to read, This is easier to read, because
because the text blends into the text and background are
the background distinguishable
Consider color vision deficiencies
Use color palettes that are accessible for those with color vision
deficiencies. Consider using icons & shapes as indicators,
patterns & dashes in charts, to convey the message.
Image Source:
https://davidmathlogic.com/colorblind/#%23D81B60-
%231E88E5-%23FFC107-%23004D40
Avoid excessive use of bright colors
Bright or neon colors can be harsh on the eyes; opt for more
subdued tones for a professional look.
Avoid bright colors ✓ Use subdued/muted tones
Use Qualitative palettes for categorical data
Use different colors to differentiate between distinct groups or
categories. Ensure the colors are clearly distinct to make it easy
for viewers to tell the categories apart without suggesting any
numerical order or magnitude.
Use Sequential palettes for ordered data
Use color gradients that follow
natural order (light to dark) for
sequential data to represent
different quantities or
magnitudes.
E.g. Light shades indicate low
values, while dark shades indicate
high values.
Use Diverging palettes for polar data
Use diverging color schemes to
highlight deviations from a
midpoint, with two contrasting
colors showing differences on
either side.
Include a color key or legend
Always provide a legend or color key to explain what each
color represents, ensuring clarity for the viewer.
Category 1
Category 2
Category 3
Be mindful of cultural differences
Be aware of the cultural connotations of colors, as these can
vary widely and impact the interpretation of data.
Image Source: https://www.topwebdesignschools.org/colors/
Avoid using colors that blend into each other
When several colors are used together, make sure they are
visually distinct and don’t blend into each other.
Colors blending into each other ✓ Visually distinguishable colors
Maintain consistency across data categories
Use consistent colors throughout your visualizations for similar
data categories to avoid confusion and enhance understanding.
Ambiguous use of colors can Fixed indicators to represent
confuse the readers
✓
good vs. bad performance
8.8% -5.8% 8.8% -5.8%
13.3% 10.3% 13.3% 10.3%
-4.2% -2.3 -4.2% -2.3
The above are based on common audience expectations. These colors will need to
be adjusted for different situations, or for audiences with color vision deficiencies.
Highlight with contrasting colors
Use contrasting colors to draw attention to important data points.
Alternatively, you can use muted or grey colors to minimize the
visual impact of other values and push less relevant datapoints to
the background.
Align with brand guidelines
If applicable, align color choices with the organization's brand
guidelines to maintain a cohesive and professional look.
Not aligned with brand colors ✓ Colors aligned with brand identity
KPI 1 KPI 2 KPI 3 KPI 1 KPI 2 KPI 3
Employ neutral colors for backgrounds
Use neutral colors for backgrounds to ensure that your data
stands out and is easy to read. However, if you're planning to
use dark mode, then ensure that foreground elements stand
out from the background
Neutral Background Dark Mode
KPI 1 KPI 1 KPI 1
Use color to group related data
Use the same color to group related data points, making it
easier to see connections and trends.
Individual data points colored Group related datapoints
Follow established conventions
Stick to widely accepted color conventions to make your
data communication intuitive.
Success Warning Danger Info
The above are based on common audience expectations. These colors will
need to be adjusted for different situations, or for audiences with color vision
impairments.
Image idea adopted from: https://designsystem.axa.com
Avoid color vibration
Color vibration occurs when
adjacent colors with high
contrast create a visual
flickering effect.
Minimize color vibration to
ensure clarity & readability,
preventing viewer fatigue and
misinterpretation of the data
presented.
Stretch the color palette
If you're required to use only specific colors in your data
visualizations, consider using variations of those colors in your
graphics. Expand the color palette by incorporating darker and
lighter shades of the same hue rather than using different hues.
Interested to learn more?
Come register for my
June 2024 Masterclass
You can find course options & registration
link in the comments section below.
