1.4.1 Use of Color
Conformance level: A
Criterion released in WCAG version: 2.0
Official description of the success criterion
Color is not used as the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.
What to do?
Do not use color as the only visual means of conveying information.
Why is it important?
Ensures that information is accessible to users who are colorblind.
Common pitfalls
Common issues are found in:
- Interactive elements - default state, hover state, focus state
- Forms elements - error messages, success messages
- Graphs - e.g. all elements are displayed only with a color instead of using solutions like patterns, and different kinds of lines.
How to test for it?
Check all functionalities for the use of color.
How to take this criterion into account in design?
When you design anything, ensure you don't rely on color alone. One way to help with this is to start your design in black and white. After the design works, you can then add color.