Abstract: Chromogenic compositions and devices are described herein which, in some embodiments, permit facile and environmentally friendly production while exhibiting efficient and reversible electrochromic activity. In some embodiments, a composite composition comprises one or more chromogenic thiazolothiazoles contained in an aqueous-based polyelectrolyte matrix. The one or more chromogenic thiazolothiazoles can be soluble in the aqueous-based polyelectrolyte matrix, in some embodiments. Moreover, the chromogenic thiazolothiazoles can comprise at least two pyridinium moieties. In some embodiments, the chromogenic thiazolothiazoles undergo a first color change in response to a first electron reduction, and a second color change in response to a second electron reduction.