Choosing the Right Design Themes – Less Is More with Colors

In Chapter 8, we delved into the mechanics of visualization elements such as slicers, pivot charts, conditional formatting, and shapes. These tools are foundational in creating an interactive dashboard. However, the aesthetic design, particularly the color theme, plays a crucial role in ensuring our dashboards are not just functional but also visually appealing and easy to interpret. In this chapter, we’ll explore the significance of color choice, how it impacts user perception, and best practices to ensure your dashboard’s design enhances its utility.

To view the images in this chapter in color, please refer to the free ebook.

We will cover the following main topics:

• Understanding your users
• How to reduce noise in your presentation
• Using colors to tell a story

Understanding your users

Before diving into the intricacies of color selection, it’s vital to understand your users. A dashboard’s purpose is to provide valuable insights, and its design should cater to its audience.

Know your audience’s preferences

Different audiences have different preferences. A financial analyst might prefer a more data-dense dashboard, while a marketing executive might opt for something more graphical. Consider the final dashboard’s end users and tailor the design to their preferences.

Accessibility is key

Ensure that your color choices are distinguishable for all users, including those with color blindness. Tools such as the Color Blindness Simulator can help you check how your dashboard looks to those with various forms of color vision deficiencies.

Consistency is crucial

The design theme should be consistent throughout the dashboard. For instance, if you’ve used a specific color for a product category in...

How to reduce noise in your presentation

A well-designed dashboard should direct the user’s attention to the most critical data without overwhelming them with too much information.

Here are some ideas to help in this objective:

• Limit the number of colors: Too many colors can make a dashboard look chaotic. Limit your primary colors and use shades of these colors to maintain consistency while distinguishing data points.
• Use neutral backgrounds: A neutral background allows your data to stand out. Avoid using bright colors that can distract from the data.
• Consistent fonts: Just as with colors, limit the number of fonts you use. Stick to one or two fonts to maintain a clean look.
• Whitespace is your friend: Allow some space between visual elements. This gives your dashboard a clean look and helps users focus on the data.
• Skill 2 practice: Identify any areas where there might be too many “noisy” or redundant elements and adjust these elements...

Using colors to tell a story

Colors can be powerful storytellers. They, highlight important data points and guide the user’s eyes to where you want them to focus.

Associative colors

Colors often have associations. For example, red might indicate a decline or danger, while green might indicate growth or safety. Use these associations to your advantage, but also be aware of cultural differences in color interpretation. In North America and Europe, red is often associated with passion, love, anger, danger, energy, and youth.

In Central and South America, red is also associated with passion and emotion, and it’s frequently used in religious practices, often in combination with white, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the crucifixion.

In Asian cultures, particularly China, red symbolizes honor, success, prosperity, good luck, and a long life, and is often worn by brides as it’s believed to bring happiness and good luck to their marriage. You can read more...

Summary

In this chapter, we have applied some design concepts to complete our final dashboard. Design plays a pivotal role in the effectiveness of a dashboard. The colors and themes you choose can greatly influence user interpretation and engagement. By understanding your users, reducing visual noise, and using colors to tell a story, you can create a dashboard that is not only functional but also compelling.

As we wrap up this chapter, reflect on the skills you’ve gained and consider how they’ll aid in finalizing the design of your dashboard. Remember, less truly is more when it comes to color.