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colour contrast algorithm

for

From: Dey Alexander
Date: Sep 18, 2003 2:43AM

The suggested algorithm for testing to see if text and background
colours provide sufficient contrast (as documented in the W3C's draft
techniques document for Accessibility Evaluation and Repair Tools at
http://www.w3.org/TR/AERT#color-contrast) has recently been discussed on
this list (between 20-26 August 2003).

However the discussion did not lead anywhere terribly useful, and my
query is slightly different to the original focus of the earlier discussion.

The W3C document indicates that the algorithm is a "suggested" one that
is "still open to change". Can anyone shed any light on whether this is
then a reliable indicator of colour contrast, or whether some more
authoritative/reliable algorithm exists?

Reason for my question: sponsors/clients of a project I am currently
working on believe that the requirements are too stringent. This view
was expressed after I used the algorithm to generate a report on a range
of colour options that were being considered--very few of them passed
muster, as I expected.

I would be extremely grateful for any advice or references to other
resources/expert opinions.

Cheers,
Dey





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