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The misuse of colour in science communication

Author

Listed:
  • Fabio Crameri

    (University of Oslo)

  • Grace E. Shephard

    (University of Oslo)

  • Philip J. Heron

    (Durham University)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabio Crameri & Grace E. Shephard & Philip J. Heron, 2020. "The misuse of colour in science communication," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-19160-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19160-7
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    Cited by:

    1. Magda Dubois & Tobias U. Hauser, 2022. "Value-free random exploration is linked to impulsivity," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Guido Fioravanti & Michela Cameletti & Sara Martino & Giorgio Cattani & Enrico Pisoni, 2022. "A spatiotemporal analysis of NO2 concentrations during the Italian 2020 COVID‐19 lockdown," Environmetrics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), June.
    3. Xiaochuan Tian & Mark D. Behn & Garrett Ito & Jana C. Schierjott & Boris J. P. Kaus & Anton A. Popov, 2024. "Magmatism controls global oceanic transform fault topography," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    4. Grace E. Shephard & Christine Houser & John W. Hernlund & Juan J. Valencia-Cardona & Reidar G. Trønnes & Renata M. Wentzcovitch, 2021. "Seismological expression of the iron spin crossover in ferropericlase in the Earth’s lower mantle," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-11, December.
    5. Chris Gorman & Davide Punzo & Igor Octaviano & Steven Pieper & William J. R. Longabaugh & David A. Clunie & Ron Kikinis & Andrey Y. Fedorov & Markus D. Herrmann, 2023. "Interoperable slide microscopy viewer and annotation tool for imaging data science and computational pathology," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-15, December.
    6. Shubham Chandra & Chengcheng Wang & Shu Beng Tor & Upadrasta Ramamurty & Xipeng Tan, 2024. "Powder-size driven facile microstructure control in powder-fusion metal additive manufacturing processes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-14, December.

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