I'm not intending to introduce this as a discussion topic, but list
members are free to contribute if they wish.
What I am looking for are any *explicit*, published, justified
recommendations colleagues can refer me to, for sets of colours that can
be used in informative displays. I am familiar with the negative advice,
such as don't use red and green because a significant percentage of males
are red-green colour blind to some extent. I have checked in Tufte, and
find general advice, eg, "use colors found in nature, such as blues,
yellows and grays of sky and shadow", and a specific example "use of
primary colors provides maximum differentiation ... this yellow is
darkened in value, sharpening the definition of its edge."
The application area is data graphics, and I'm hoping to recommend
specific pallettes for use on the screen and on paper (different
pallettes) with a specific logic to emphasize the data and downplay
background material. The print version should also emphasize tonal
differences, as graphs are so often photocopied. The default pallette in
the software I prefer uses red, green and a pale yellow!
Maybe there is no general best solution, but I'm loath to reinvent the
wheel, especially if through ignorance I may make it square.
Thanks for your time, and thanks in advance for any suggestions.
R. Allan Reese Email: [log in to unmask]
Associate Manager GRI Direct voice: +44 1482 466845
Graduate School Voice messages: +44 1482 466844
Hull University, Hull HU6 7RX, UK. Fax: +44 1482 466436
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