Here, I explore how to use ChatGPT, a text-based generative AI model, as a color suggestion system for building sequential color schemes. I do this by prompting the trained AI model for color schemes and then evaluate the recommendations. Successful results are based on the specific text phrasing used to request ChatGPT to perform these tasks. I will walk through the technical process, explain the color theory at work, and how to apply the selected color scheme to my five-step process of colorizing a data visualization, which I have highlighted in previous UX Collective and Nightingale writings. In data visualization, sequential color schemes are designed for ordering numeric information where colors progress from low to high (or vice versa).
Let’s begin by exploring some details about ChatGPT.
What is ChatGPT?
Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer or ChatGPT is a Generative Artificially Intelligent (AI) chatbot developed by OpenAI and introduced to the public on November 30, 2022. Using text-based commands, users can ask the chatbot for assistance in tasks such as creating emails, essays, and code. There are numerous reviews that describe the functionality of ChatGPT and other text-based AI tools. The basic version of ChatGPT is free to use with OpenAI offering a “Plus” version of ChatGPT for $20 a month. I show the user interface and information about ChatGPT pricing below.
Asking ChatGPT to Assist in Creating a Sequential Color Scheme:
Here, it is my objective to investigate if ChatGPT can be used to build or suggest a sequential color scheme for data visualization. In my first effort to ask the chatbot for color scheme assistance, I typed the phrase “Create a Blue Sequential color scheme image”. ChatGPT responded with “I’m a text-based AI model and I can’t create or display images directly. However, I can describe how to create a simple blue sequential color scheme image using common graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop or an online tool like Canva:” and…