I agree. Standard bars are boring, and it’s not bad to liven them up, but there are a lot of different ideas layered one over another with a little connection to data representation or increasing readability (also heatmaps with strict color gradations, false grouping, distance from center breaks at the bottom level mixing different colors). But nailing visuals without trying things out is impossible. OP got feedback they can put to use in the future.

Critically checking the graph after each step could’ve make it easier even for them. Had it become better in some way with X? If no, let’s scrap it and try something different.