Data Stories: How Color Helps and Hurts Data Visualization
Why you should avoid rainbow color schemes, alternatives to consider, and best practices for color use.
- By Upside Staff
- September 19, 2018
![EagerEyes](/-/media/TDWI/Upside/newsletters/2018/09/091918Vizcolorlegend.jpg)
You might know that using many colors isn’t a best practice for visualization, but do you know why? This article from EagerEyes demonstrates how a rainbow color scheme can be deceptive along multiple axes.
![ScientificAmerican](/-/media/TDWI/Upside/newsletters/2018/09/091918VizSciAm.jpg)
What should you use instead of a rainbow color scheme? Scientific American reports on a new color scheme designed to be optimal for interpretation by all viewers.
![Chartable](/-/media/TDWI/Upside/newsletters/2018/09/091918VizChartable.jpg)
Avoid misleading viewers by making thoughtful choices with color. This article on the Chartable blog explains some fundamental guidelines.