Enhancing Data Visualization with the `fill_off` Feature

Motivation

After colour_off feature implemented, here is the introduction of the fill_off feature.

The Genesis: colour_off/color_off

Before diving into the fill_off feature, it’s essential to understand its predecessor: the colour_off/color_off feature. This functionality enables users to specify the color, outline, or stroke of the non-selected part of the data. It’s a subtle yet powerful way to highlight specific data points while dimming out the rest, ensuring that the viewer’s attention is drawn to the right places.

For instance, consider a visualization using geom_point:

geom_point(
  data = mtcars,
  aes(x=wt, y=mpg, fill = disp),
  clickSelects = "gear"),
  colour="red",  # selected
  colour_off="transparent",  # not selected
)

Here, the colour parameter specifies the color of the selected data, while colour_off determines the color of the data that are not selected.

Introducing fill_off

Building on the success and utility of colour_off, the fill_off feature was introduced. This new feature allows users to specify the fill of the non-selected parts of the data. It’s especially useful in visualizations where the fill color plays a significant role in conveying information.

Using the fill_off feature, a visualization might look something like this:

geom_point(
  data = mtcars,
  aes(x=wt, y=mpg, fill = disp),
  clickSelects = "gear"),
  fill="blue",  # selected
  fill_off="transparent",  # not selected
)

Combined Power: Using colour_off, alpha_off, and fill_off Together

One of the most exciting developments is the ability to use colour_off, alpha_off, and fill_off jointly. This combination offers a richer set of visual cues for data selection, allowing for more nuanced visualizations.