Level AWCAG 2.2

1.4.1 Use of Color

Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

Why it matters

Color vision differences
Around 8% of men and 0.5% of women have a color vision deficiency. Difficulty distinguishing red and green is the most common form.
Monochrome display
In black-and-white printouts or monochrome displays, any distinction made by color is entirely lost.
Environmental factors
Identifying colors is very difficult in bright sunlight or projector displays.
Assistive technology
Screen readers do not announce colors. Non-color cues are required.

Live demo

Do not rely on color alone

Form error display

Red outline only — difficult to identify with color-vision differences

Chart legend

Product A
Product B
Product C
Product D
Differentiated by color only

Understand through a persona

Nakamura (35) — Red-green color vision deficiency

When form errors are shown only by a red border, he cannot tell where the problem is. With a text message or icon he can fix it easily. 'Sites that rely on color alone feel like they're in a foreign language.'

Checklist

References