|
|
|
|
Use of Color
Guideline
Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.
Intent
The intent of this regulation is to ensure that all users can access information that is conveyed by color differences, that is, by the use of color where each color has a meaning assigned to it. If the information is conveyed through color differences in an image (or other non-text format), the color may not be seen by users with color deficiencies. In this case, providing the information conveyed with color through another visual means ensures users who cannot see color can still perceive the information.
Color is an important asset in design of Web content, enhancing its aesthetic appeal, its usability, and its accessibility. However, some users have difficulty perceiving color. People with partial sight often experience limited color vision, and many older users do not see color well. In addition, people using text-only, limited-color or monochrome displays and browsers will be unable to access information that is presented only in color.
Examples of information conveyed by color differences: “required fields are red", “error is shown in red", and “Mary's sales are in red, Tom's are in blue". Examples of indications of an action include: using color to indicate that a link will open in a new window or that a database entry has been updated successfully. An example of prompting a response would be: using highlighting on form fields to indicate that a required field had been left blank.
Finding Applicable Components
- Find where color conveys meaning, indicates an action, or prompts a response.
Inspecting and Using Components
- Where color is used to convey meaning, determine if meaning is present via:
- Screen text, displayed when the meaningful color is displayed, describing the color (e.g. the word "ALERT" for a red indicator, or an asterisk for a required field), or Visual differentiation (e.g., shape, position or size).
Section 508/WCAG 2.0 Failure Conditions
- An instance of color being the sole means of conveying meaning.
- Fails 1194.22(c): No color dependence to convey information.
- Fails 1.4.1 Use of Color.
Reporting Test Results
- Any failure in Section 508 Failure Conditions results in: Fails Baseline Requirement #8.
- Color is used to convey meaning AND the same information is provided via screen text or visual differentiation then: Passes Baseline Requirement #8.
See Also |