A color profile sets the standard for which colors are used on the objects. Aligning the color profile with your organization's grapfic profile, you can create a more cohesive impression, helping the reader feel more familiar with the overall design.
In this article, we will focus on the mindset and methodology behind choosing a color profile, rather than how to configure it in the tool. For more details on how to set up a color profile, see What is a color profile, and how do I create one? – 2c8 Help center
Choosing Colors
Colors are usually selected based on the organization’s brand guidelines, often in consultation with a communications specialist or similar role. This ensures visual consistency with the organization's overall appearance.
We recommend using the default colors in 2c8 as a template. Symbols that share the same color in the standard profile, such as “Role” and “Position,” should continue to have the same color, even if the profile changes. For example, if you choose blue for roles, then positions and stakeholders should also be blue. This way, roles and positions maintain consistent coloring throughout the material, making the information easier to interpret.
For example, objects like “organization” and “activity” should not have similar colors, as the symbols are visually similar. Differentiating the colors helps keep them distinct.
The models should appear harmonious and easy to read. We recommend to choose lighter, softer colors for activities, as these often appear in large numbers in a single view. Bright or dark colors can dominate the display, making it harder to process the information and leading to a cluttered appearance. Process objects, on the other hand, can be more colorful, as they are usually fewer in number in each view.
Below, you’ll find images of the same process map in different color profiles, demonstrating how stronger or darker colors can hinder readability compared to more harmonious and calming colors.
Text Color
When it comes to text color on objects, it’s important to consider accessibility and visibility. There should be sufficient contrast between the text and the object. A general rule is to choose colors that ensure text remains legible, even for those with visual impairments.
Another consideration for text color is that the background of the modeling area is always white. If white text is used, there are a few factors to keep in mind. If the symbol size is too small, there is a risk that text may extend beyond the object, such as on activities, making it invisible if it’s white. White text can also be harder to read and may not always meet contrast ratio requirements. Below are examples of two processes with different text colors.
Colors on the relations
Changing the colors of relations should be done with caution and awareness. Relations have a limited number of visual distinctions, such as dashed or solid lines, and they are differentiated by color. Each relation type conveys a different meaning, and the colors are carefully chosen to reflect their function and significance. The title of the relation is not displayed directly but are visible when clicking on objects in the published view. If this feature has been or will be disabled in the publication profile, it becomes even more important to ensure that readers can easily follow the description.
Additional Accessibility Tips
- Choose colors with sufficient contrast between objects and text.
- Avoid using color combinations that are difficult for those with color blindness to distinguish, such as red and green.
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