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Color combinations to avoid, shown as overlapping circle pairs each struck through with a red X and a "DON'T USE" caption explaining the contrast failure.
Summary
The inverse of the pairings page: forbidden color combinations, each two-circle motif crossed out with a red X and explained as too low-contrast or too similar.
Visual description
Two-column editorial layout. Left: teal eyebrow "COLOR", serif heading "Color Pairings to Avoid" over two rows, and two grey paragraphs on accessibility and one tolerated exception. Right: a 3-column, three-row grid of overlapping two-tone circles (Dark Sky + Sky, Ink + Slate, Mist + Manilla, Ink + Sky, and so on), each struck through with a thin red diagonal X. Under each pair is the combination name, a red all-caps "DON'T USE", and a one-line grey reason ("too similar", "too hard to read"). Vertical "Brand Guidelines" label and spark mark on the left edge.
Key takeaway
Mirroring the approved-pairings layout exactly, then negating it with a single red X and a "DON'T USE" line. The visual rhyme between the do and don't pages makes the rule instantly legible.
Reuse notes
The natural companion to an approved-pairings page in any guideline. Reuse the do/don't mirroring as a pattern: identical grid, identical motif, only the red X and reason change. Citing the accessibility/contrast rationale gives the don'ts authority.
From this deck: Color Pairings to Avoid grid
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