Color Using Quote by Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic
““I almost always use dark grey for the graph title. This ensures that it stands out, but without the sharp contrast you get from pure black on white (rather, I preserve the use of black for a standout color when I’m not using any other colors). A number of preattentive attributes are employed to draw attention to the “Progress to date” trend: color, thickness of line, presence of data marker and label on the final point, and the size of the corresponding text.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Storytelling with Data, Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, 2015
Effective visual design uses subtle contrast and preattentive cues to highlight key trends without overwhelming the viewer.
In simple terms: Use muted titles and visual cues to draw focus to important data.
Key Takeaway
Design charts that guide attention subtly.
Themes
visual design
data visualization
attention
clarity
Mood
focused
analytical
Type
instructional
practical
When to use this quote
- presentations
- business reports
- academic papers
- dashboard design
Key Concepts
preattentive attributes
contrast
hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you test if viewers notice the intended highlights?
- What alternative cues could reinforce the main message?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on subtle cues may be missed by some audiences.
