Use color as an enhancement, not as the only way to convey information or distinguish keys, controls and labels.
On this page:
Rationale
If the hardware conveys information by color alone, users who cannot identify or distinguish colors will not be able to make use of the information.
Required development techniques
The following techniques are the minimum required to meet Checkpoint 3.1 from the IBM Hardware Self Contained, Closed Products Accessibility Checklist:
- Make color cues redundant with other cues by supplementing color coding with text, shape or relative position coding.
- Color should not be used as the only way to indicate an action, prompt a response or distinguish a visual element.
Recommended development techniques
The techniques above are required; the following technique is recommended to enhance accessibility.
- To ensure that a color blind user will not miss any important information,use colors that vary in intensity (have sufficient brightness contrast). Lighthouse International provides guidelines for effective color contrast on their Web site at http://www.lighthouse.org/color_contrast.htm (link resides outside of ibm.com).
Required test techniques
Test the hardware to ensure that it complies with accessibility requirements.
Tools
No tools are needed to test this checkpoint:
Techniques
| Action | Result |
|---|---|
|
1. Verify that colors cues are redundant.
Visually inspect that color provides redundant information. |
Pass:
Fail:
|
|
2. Verify that color is not the sole means of indicating actions or distinguishing an element.
Visually inspect that color provides redundant information. |
Pass:
Fail:
|
©2009 IBM Corporation
Last updated September 21, 2009.