Success criterion 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.
- Level A
- Principle 1: Perceivable
- Guideline 1.4: Distinguishable
In a user’s words
“Red means go, green means stop! Wait, that's not right, is it?”
What each role can do
- Product manager
- Make sure color alone is not the only indicator for important actions or information.
- Designer
- Combine color with other visual indicators like text, shapes, or icons.
- Developer
- Implement visual cues alongside color to convey information effectively.
- Tester
- Test the design for accessibility with color blindness simulators.
Once it is fixed
“Finally, I don't have to play a guessing game with colors. You've made life a whole lot easier!”
Share this with your team
The quotes are written to illustrate the criterion. They are not testimonials from real people. For the official wording, find 1.4.1 in the W3C quick reference for WCAG 2.2 (opens in a new tab).
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