Choosing Effective Colours for Data Visualization

13 years 11 months ago

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In this paper we describe a technique for choosing multiple colours for use during data visualization. Our goal is a systematic method for maximizing the total number of colours available for use, while still allowing an observer to rapidly and accurately search a display for any one of the given colours. Previous research suggests that we need to consider three separate effects during colour selection: colour distance, linear separation, and colour category. We describe a simple method for measuring and controlling all of these effects. Our method was tested by performing a set of target identification studies; we analysed the ability of thirty-eight observers to find a colour target in displays that contained differently coloured background elements. Results showedour method canbe usedto selecta group of colours that will provide good differentiation between data elements during data visualization. CR Descriptors: H.5.2 [Information Interfaces and Presentation]: User Interfaces - er...

Christopher G. Healey

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