How to Choose Good Colors for Data Presentation in Charts?

In the article "How to Pick the Least Wrong Colors," Matthew Strom provides practical tips for selecting colors in design. Modern graphic design increasingly focuses on the choice of colors that not only attract attention but also impact the emotions of the audience. Strom begins by discussing the importance of color psychology and how different shades can influence brand perception. Another critical point is the analysis of the context in which colors will be used. For instance, colors that work well in food advertising may differ significantly from those suited for the tech industry.

It's essential to pay attention to how colors interact with one another. Strom emphasizes the importance of color harmony and the use of color wheels to understand which shades can be combined for a pleasant and effective visual outcome. He describes various color palettes, such as monochromatic and complementary, and explains how they affect project reception. Utilizing both physical and digital color selection tools and experimenting with different combinations can help create visually cohesive designs.

The article concludes with practical tips for testing chosen colors on actual audiences. It points out that what looks good on screen does not always translate well to reality. Therefore, it's crucial to gather feedback from different people to assess how colors are perceived and what emotions they evoke. These practices are incredibly useful for both professional designers and amateurs looking to improve their color-picking skills.

Overall, Matthew Strom's article serves as an excellent guide to the world of colors in design. It offers readers a range of tools and methods they can use when choosing colors to make their projects more effective and appealing. An approach grounded in psychology and practical experiences makes it a valuable resource for anyone wanting to understand how colors can influence our visual experiences. Selecting the least wrong colors is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of the emotions those colors evoke.