How can you use color, shape, and size to enhance your chart and highlight key insights? (original) (raw)

Last updated on Aug 21, 2024

Color, shape, and size are three visual elements that can make or break your chart. They can help you communicate your data effectively, draw attention to important patterns, and create contrast and harmony. In this article, you will learn how to use these elements to enhance your chart and highlight key insights.

Choose the right colors

Colors can evoke different meanings, emotions, and associations depending on the context and the culture. For instance, red can be associated with danger, passion, or urgency, while blue can be seen as a sign of peace, trust, or professionalism. When selecting colors for your chart, you should consider factors such as the type of data being presented (categorical, sequential, or diverging), the message you want to convey (positive, negative, or neutral), and the audience you are targeting (their preferences, expectations, and backgrounds). Additionally, it is important to use colors that are consistent, have good contrast, and avoid confusion or distraction. For example, you can choose a color scheme that matches your brand identity; use darker colors for larger or more important values; and avoid using too many colors or colors that are too similar.

Ensuring that the colors you use are accessible to those with color vision deficiencies will ensure that your chart is inclusive.

Use shapes strategically

Shapes can help you differentiate between different categories, groups, or variables in your chart, as well as add variety and interest to your design. However, it is important to use shapes carefully and sparingly so as to not create clutter and noise. When selecting shapes for your chart, you should consider the type of chart you are using (for example, some charts do not need shapes while others can benefit from them), the number of categories, groups, or variables you are showing (limiting the number of shapes avoids overwhelming or confusing your audience), and the meaning and clarity of the shapes (choose shapes that are easy to recognize, interpret, and compare while avoiding those with similar or ambiguous meanings). Additionally, shapes can be used to highlight outliers, exceptions, or trends.

Three tips to get started 1) if you are unsure, start with no colour. Add colour only when it communicates something meaningful. 2) Be consistent across your presentation. If you used red to represent A and blue to represent B in your first slide, do not swap them in the next one. You create a reference, so keep it consistent. 3 ) Ensure your contrasts are high enough, for instance, between the background of your chart and the chart itself. This also applies to your text. Bonus points if you use tools to double-check that your colour palette is colour-blind friendly.

Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

While it's great to play around with different elements to enhance your chart, also keep the following two points in mind. Simplicity: Keeping your chart design simple and uncluttered will help to prevent distraction and make your key insights more easily understandable. Context: Understanding the context of the data and your intended audience will help guide your choice of colors, shapes, and sizes in the chart.

How can you use color, shape, and size to enhance your chart and highlight key insights? (original) (raw)

Choose the right colors

Use shapes strategically

Here’s what else to consider

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