*This article is an English translation of a Japanese article.
The color scheme of a website not only enhances visual appeal but also significantly impacts user access to information. Particularly for users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies, an appropriate color setup is essential. This article provides concrete tips on accessible color choices, aiming to create a website that’s easy for everyone to use.
Why Color Setup Matters
Color selection in web design is more than decoration—it influences text readability, content comprehension, and the overall user experience. For example, users with visual impairments or color vision deficiencies may struggle to distinguish certain color combinations.
Accessible color choices are especially important for:
- Users with color vision deficiencies: Users may be unable to distinguish certain colors, so it’s essential to use clear contrast between text and background.
- Users with low vision: Low contrast can make text appear blurry and hard to read.
- Light-sensitive users: Bright colors and high contrast can strain the eyes, leading to discomfort.
Standards for Readable Color Choices
1. Maintain Sufficient Contrast
Text and background contrast is a crucial factor in determining information visibility. Generally, a contrast ratio of 4.5:1 or higher is recommended, ensuring readability for users with visual impairments and older adults. Key points to keep in mind:
- Small text should have at least a 4.5:1 contrast ratio.
- Large text can be readable at a contrast ratio of 3:1.
Several tools are available to check contrast ratios easily, such as the WebAIM Contrast Checker, which can help verify color choices for accessibility.
2. Avoid Relying Solely on Color to Convey Information
When conveying important information, use additional visual elements beyond color. For instance, instead of highlighting an error message only in red, use icons, bold text, or underlines to make it accessible to users with color vision deficiencies.
Example:
If a user with color vision deficiency cannot see red error messages, adding an “×” icon or the word “error” next to the message provides a visual aid.
3. Adjust Brightness and Saturation
In accessible web design, it’s essential to consider not only color choices but also brightness and saturation. Colors that are too bright or highly saturated may cause eye strain during prolonged viewing. Aim for pleasant tones by following these tips:
- Pastels and intermediate colors are gentle on the eyes and create a calming effect.
- Vivid colors should be limited to highlight important elements, avoiding extensive use across the design.
Common Accessible Color Combinations
Several color combinations are commonly used for accessibility. These combinations balance visibility with aesthetic appeal.
1. Black and White
This is the simplest and most versatile combination. Black text on a white background has excellent visibility, making it easy for all users to read. Adding accent colors like blue or green can enhance the design’s visual appeal.
2. Dark Mode
Dark mode has become increasingly popular and is effective from an accessibility perspective. With a black or dark gray background and white or light-colored text, it reduces eye strain, making it more comfortable for many users. However, avoid very light text colors that could reduce readability, ensuring adequate contrast.
3. Blue and White
Blue is often used to convey reliability and stability. Blue backgrounds with white text provide a balanced, visually appealing design that’s gentle on the eyes. This color scheme is frequently used in financial institutions and educational websites.
Implementing Color Universal Design (CUD)
Color Universal Design (CUD) is a concept that ensures accurate information delivery regardless of color vision differences. Adopting CUD enables websites to be more inclusive for users with color vision deficiencies.
Examples of CUD Best Practices
- Specify color names: In situations where users need to select a color, stating “Choose the blue option” helps color-blind users identify their choice without confusion.
- Combine multiple elements: Pair colors with shapes, textures, icons, and other distinct visual elements to convey information clearly.
Conclusion
An accessible color scheme is fundamental to creating a website that everyone can use comfortably. By maintaining appropriate contrast ratios and designing beyond color alone, you can make your website more user-friendly for people with visual impairments. Additionally, implementing Color Universal Design can further enhance accessibility for diverse users.
By following these color guidelines, you can build a website that’s not only visually appealing but also easy for all users to navigate. Prioritizing accessibility in your design will ensure that everyone visiting your website finds it visually clear and user-friendly.
We have released the UUU Web Accessibility Widget Tool, designed to make web accessibility easy to implement. This tool helps improve the accessibility of websites quickly and efficiently, even without specialized knowledge.
If you’re interested in enhancing your website’s accessibility, please check out the details. We are here to support you in making your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience.