The accurate representation of data is essential in science communication. However, colour maps that visually distort data through uneven colour gradients or are unreadable to those with colour-vision deficiency remain prevalent in science. These include, but are not limited to, rainbow-like and red–green colour maps. Here, we present a simple guide for the scientific use of colour. We show how scientifically derived colour maps report true data variations, reduce complexity, and are accessible for people with colour-vision deficiencies. We highlight ways for the scientific community to identify and prevent the misuse of colour in science, and call for a proactive step away from colour misuse among the community, publishers, and the press.
%0 Journal Article
%1 noauthororeditor
%A Crameri, Fabio
%A Shephard, Grace E.
%A Heron, Philip J.
%D 2020
%J Nature Communications
%K 78a55-optics-electromagnetic-theory-technical-applications 94a05-communication-theory colour
%N 5444
%R 10.1038/s41467-020-19160-7
%T The misuse of colour in science communication
%U https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19160-7
%V 11
%X The accurate representation of data is essential in science communication. However, colour maps that visually distort data through uneven colour gradients or are unreadable to those with colour-vision deficiency remain prevalent in science. These include, but are not limited to, rainbow-like and red–green colour maps. Here, we present a simple guide for the scientific use of colour. We show how scientifically derived colour maps report true data variations, reduce complexity, and are accessible for people with colour-vision deficiencies. We highlight ways for the scientific community to identify and prevent the misuse of colour in science, and call for a proactive step away from colour misuse among the community, publishers, and the press.
@article{noauthororeditor,
abstract = {The accurate representation of data is essential in science communication. However, colour maps that visually distort data through uneven colour gradients or are unreadable to those with colour-vision deficiency remain prevalent in science. These include, but are not limited to, rainbow-like and red–green colour maps. Here, we present a simple guide for the scientific use of colour. We show how scientifically derived colour maps report true data variations, reduce complexity, and are accessible for people with colour-vision deficiencies. We highlight ways for the scientific community to identify and prevent the misuse of colour in science, and call for a proactive step away from colour misuse among the community, publishers, and the press.},
added-at = {2021-09-15T04:43:11.000+0200},
author = {Crameri, Fabio and Shephard, Grace E. and Heron, Philip J.},
biburl = {https://www.bibsonomy.org/bibtex/27c52f6385c1cf6381f09c314dc9c83b8/gdmcbain},
doi = {10.1038/s41467-020-19160-7},
interhash = {50ac5b317bbda9d24f5ad5765371f4ef},
intrahash = {7c52f6385c1cf6381f09c314dc9c83b8},
journal = {Nature Communications},
keywords = {78a55-optics-electromagnetic-theory-technical-applications 94a05-communication-theory colour},
number = 5444,
timestamp = {2021-09-15T04:43:11.000+0200},
title = {The misuse of colour in science communication},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-19160-7},
volume = 11,
year = 2020
}