Don't use color alone to convey information
Introduction
Not all users can perceive or distinguish colors the same way, which can create barriers to understanding and navigating websites. To ensure our sites are accessible to all users, we must avoid relying solely on color to convey information.
Decision
Do not rely solely on color to convey information.
Context
Relying solely on color to convey information creates accessibility barriers for many users. Colorblind and low vision users may struggle to distinguish color differences, high contrast modes may reduce or eliminate color distinctions, and screen readers do not communicate colors to non-sighted readers.
Consequences
- Potentially more complex designs: Designs may be slightly more complex to accommodate multiple ways of conveying the same information.
Exceptions
- Color can still be used to enhance visuals, as long as it is used in conjunction with other cues such as text labels or underlines.
- Sometimes color differences convey very minor amounts of context, or just add visual interest, which is not a huge loss to the user if not perceived.