Design Principles: The Importance of Color

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of using color in design?

To attract attention, assign brand, communicate meaning, and group elements (correct)

To create barriers for people with disabilities

To make the design more accessible

To make the design visually appealing

What percentage of men are color-blind?

1 in 12 (correct)

1 in 10

1 in 50

1 in 20

What is the recommended contrast ratio between text and background according to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0?

5.5 to 1

4.5 to 1 (correct)

3.5 to 1

2.5 to 1

What should a designer do to avoid using color alone to present information?

Use different icons for different statuses Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider color contrast in design?

To ensure the majority of users can see the content Signup and view all the answers

What is the main benefit of using color in design?

To provide meaning to content on the screen Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of not using color properly in design?

It can create barriers for people with disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach to designing with color?

Using different icons for different statuses, with color complementing the information Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum font size in pixels required to use the lightest gray #959595 on a white background?

24 Signup and view all the answers

What is the lightest gray that can be used on a white background for smaller text?

#767676 Signup and view all the answers

What is exempt from the WCAG 2.0 color contrast standard?

Logos or elements currently in a disabled state Signup and view all the answers

What is the contrast ratio requirement for input field and button boundaries under WCAG 2.1?

3:1 Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended approach for text on non-solid backgrounds?

Place the text on a solid portion of the image Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when designing animations for users with cognitive disabilities?

Avoiding animation styles that may cause negative health effects Signup and view all the answers

What is the key requirement for animations in the WCAG guidelines?

The animation must be optional and allow users to turn it off Signup and view all the answers

What are the three factors that can contribute to triggering dizziness, headaches, or other forms of discomfort in some users?

Three-dimensional graphics, flashing lights, and rapid motion Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the WCAG guidelines?

To ensure users with disabilities can access and use digital products Signup and view all the answers

What tool can be used to calculate the contrast ratio between text and background colors?

AreMyColorsAccessible.com Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Importance of Color

Color is an integral part of design, used to attract attention, assign brand, communicate meaning, and group elements.
However, if not used properly, color can create barriers for people with disabilities.

Color as Meaning

Avoid using color alone to present information or to request an action.
Example: a user list from a chat application, where green Wi-Fi icons indicate active, orange icons indicate idle, and red icons indicate offline - 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women who are color-blind may struggle to distinguish between the statuses.
Instead, use different icons with color complementing the information conveyed by each icon.

Color Contrast

Ensure a contrast ratio of at least 4.5 to 1 between text color and background.
If font is at least 24 px or 19 px bold, the minimum contrast ratio drops to 3 to 1.
Examples of acceptable colors:
- On a white background, the lightest gray is #959595 for text 24 px or larger.
- On a white background, the lightest gray is #767676 for smaller text.
- On a gray background, the text needs to be darker.

Text on Top of Non-Solid Backgrounds

Ensure text meets color contrast requirements on the part of the image closest to the text color.
However, text on non-solid backgrounds can negatively affect users with cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia.
Solution: place text on a solid portion of the image or add a solid background between the text and the image.

Improve User Experience with Animations

Animations can improve the experience for users with cognitive disabilities.
However, improperly designed animations can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, or vertigo for users with vestibular disorders, and even seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Allow users to turn off animations, and avoid animation styles that can cause negative health effects.

Avoid Triggering Dizziness

Three factors can contribute to triggering dizziness, headaches, or discomfort: animation styles, vestibular disorders, and photosensitive epilepsy.

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Description

Learn how color is used in design to attract attention, assign brand, and communicate meaning, while also understanding its potential barriers for people with disabilities.