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Re: Placeholder text contrast

for

From: Jesse Hausler
Date: Mar 20, 2015 11:53AM

Thanks for the responses guys. That's very interesting that w3c
specifically notes that placeholder text should meet the standard.

I agree with that in principal, but it is curious that browsers fail this
by default.

I also agree with Jonathan's point about duplication.

Thanks again,
Jesse

On Fri, Mar 20, 2015 at 10:47 AM, Jonathan Avila < <EMAIL REMOVED>
> wrote:

> > If placeholder text is being used properly (input masks, giving examples,
> etc) and visible form labels are present, does the placeholder text need
> to meet contrast ratios?
>
> IMO if the information in the placeholder such as example or masks is not
> available elsewhere then contrast would be an issue. If that information
> is duplicated in the label then technically you would be fine -- but in
> general placeholders can be confusing unless you are very limited by space
> they may not be a good idea.
>
> > Browser defaults appear to be 2.2:1 or so... Are people expected to
> override browser defaults?
>
> IMO most people will not know how to.
>
> > Our usability studies found that people thought that form fields were
> already filled out when placeholder text color met 4.5:1.
>
> In general it may be best to avoid them if you can. Small screen sizes
> make this a challenge though.
>
> --
> Jonathan Avila
> Chief Accessibility Officer
> SSB BART Group
> <EMAIL REMOVED>
> Phone 703.637.8957
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>
>
>