Contributions matrix gradient lacks contrast

[cdlm]

At least with the frappe green theme, the contributions matrix looks mostly binary. There is a big jump in contrast between dark gray squares with no commits and green squares with few commits, and then from few to most commits the gradient is quite shallow.

This makes contribution peaks barely distinguishable from baseline days, when they should contrast enough to be picked up preattentively.

[sgoudham]

Hey 👋,

Could you please give a screenshot example of what you mean and if you're comfortable with digging through inspect element, a screenshot with what you expect / are looking for?

[cdlm]

Here's a quick screenshot. Most days are 1-3 contributions and the couple darker ones are at ~15, but they are really hard to find (I don't see them preattentively). I'll come back with a mockup or color propositions when I find time.

[cdlm]

Ok so if one looks at the bottom-right legend, the colors are, from left/less to right/more:

• --color-secondary-alpha-6 (low-contrast background gray)
• --color-primary-light-4 (lighter green)
• --color-primary-light-2
• --color-primary
• --color-primary-dark-2
• --color-primary-dark-4

I see three problems:

• The gradient of greens lacks contrast and the few days with above average contributions don't stand out.
• The gradient is reversed from what it should be: days with less contributions should use more muted, darker greens and days with more contributions should use a flashy lighter green to pop.
• The colors are named in terms of light/dark values rather than contrast relative to the background. The theme does provides a range of --color-primary-alpha-XX variables which would work, but picking semantically correct colors is the responsibility of Gitea…