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Thread: Colour accessibility
Number of posts in this thread: 4 (In chronological order)
From: Linda Simpson
Date: Sun, May 04 2008 8:50PM
Subject: Colour accessibility
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Hi,
We've been asked to change our colour scheme on our websites to fit into our
corporate colour scheme. We currently use blue, and the colour we've been
asked to change to is now red. Our site will be using a solid background,
with white for the content area (along the lines of news.com.au). Our
concern is that such a large amount of red may cause accessibility/
usability issues (we are not only talking about the background colour but
also the navigation). We may possibly have some say into the shading of the
red, but for the moment think of a nice bright colour (#A80D35).
What we need more information about is how the colour red can affect
readability. I have done research, and I know about the w3c colour contrast
algorithm. I've also had a look at the psychology of the different colours
and that red is associated with anger and intensity.
What I am wanting to know, does anyone have any failure/ success stories of
using a large amount of red on a site without it adversely affecting users.
We also wanted to know if there was a particular range that might cause
headaches in some users. I would also be interested to know of any research
into what borders on acceptable luminosity. For example, I know in a couple
of mockups that we have done, the red has been very glary, and makes
focusing on the content quite difficult. Unfortunately, this being a
personal opinion, we need the research to back it up with.
Any help that you can give will be appreciated.
Regards,
Linda
From: Oscar DeLong
Date: Mon, May 05 2008 7:20AM
Subject: Re: Colour accessibility
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One thing I would like to say is to be careful of how bright the red is.
If the red is to bright and glary it causes me to have headaches but
like you mentioned that is my personal situation. I have been able to
find nothing that suggests an excess of red on a webpage would cause
issues so long as you keep a few things in mind, which I'm sure you
already know. First, use high contrast since some people cannot see red
correctly. Second, never use color alone to distinguish something
important. Most of what I have found only talks about how
color-blindness causes complications with distinguishing things but
nothing seems to suggest that red causes other forms of accessibility
issues. I hope this helps.
Oscar DeLong
Oscar DeLong
Access Services/Reference Librarian
Ottenheimer Library
Pulaski Technical College
3000 West Scenic Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72118
(501) 812-2718
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From: Cliff Tyllick
Date: Mon, May 05 2008 2:00PM
Subject: Re: Colour accessibility
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Linda, I have two thoughts.
First, let's address performance: How can you get some insight into whether the color scheme you've selected has sufficient contrast and works for people who have colorblindness? You say you're familiar with the color contrast algorithm. If you're not also familiar with these color contrast analysis tools, check them out (others might have additional suggestions):
-WAT-C's, http://www.paciellogroup.com/resources/contrast-analyser.html
-Juicy Studio's, http://juicystudio.com/services/colourcontrast.php
-VisionAustralia's, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=628#using
I think WAT-C's analyzer might be particularly useful to you. It can show whether chosen color pairs offer sufficient contrast to be seen by individuals with any of three forms of colorblindness. This tool would give you quick answers to the question of whether your navigation offers sufficient contrast.
Second, you have another issue that may be strictly a case of preference: How red a red is too glaring a red? This sounds like a good case for a small usability test with typical customers. After all, if your preference is blue and mine is red, what does it matter which one we pick? But if your *customers* say one color or the other doesn't work for them, then shouldn't it be their call?
So set up a usability test with prototypes of Web pages using the potential color schemes. You might find out that your customers are just fine with them in red. But you might also find out that the issue _isn't_ merely preference. Show me a bright red, and I might say I like the color. But ask me to use a Web page developed with that hue as the principal color, and you might discover that I have trouble finding what's there (I like how it looks, but can I really see it?) or that I fail to complete tasks as quickly as people who use the page developed in another color scheme complete them (I will love your site's look, but I'll shop there less because I can't complete purchases quickly).
Good luck!
Cliff Tyllick
Web development coordinator
Agency Communications Division
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
512/239-4516
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>>> "Linda Simpson" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = > 5/4/2008 9:49 PM >>>
Hi,
We've been asked to change our colour scheme on our websites to fit into our
corporate colour scheme. We currently use blue, and the colour we've been
asked to change to is now red. Our site will be using a solid background,
with white for the content area (along the lines of news.com.au). Our
concern is that such a large amount of red may cause accessibility/
usability issues (we are not only talking about the background colour but
also the navigation). We may possibly have some say into the shading of the
red, but for the moment think of a nice bright colour (#A80D35).
What we need more information about is how the colour red can affect
readability. I have done research, and I know about the w3c colour contrast
algorithm. I've also had a look at the psychology of the different colours
and that red is associated with anger and intensity.
What I am wanting to know, does anyone have any failure/ success stories of
using a large amount of red on a site without it adversely affecting users.
We also wanted to know if there was a particular range that might cause
headaches in some users. I would also be interested to know of any research
into what borders on acceptable luminosity. For example, I know in a couple
of mockups that we have done, the red has been very glary, and makes
focusing on the content quite difficult. Unfortunately, this being a
personal opinion, we need the research to back it up with.
Any help that you can give will be appreciated.
Regards,
Linda
From: Fran
Date: Tue, May 06 2008 4:30PM
Subject: Re: Colour accessibility
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Please be aware that more than 8% of men cannot see red at all.
I live with one who sees only black, cannot tell soft greens from orange (as in fruit gums) and can really only tell shades of blue, and once polished my daughter's new purple shoes with navy polish.
Dyslexics vary in what colour helps, but the original studies of black on yellow still holds as the clearest, while white on green the most easy on the eye (and so you read more).
Red is considered invigorating, but upsets many people including many dyslexics.
Speaking personally, I find that the intense reds swallow white typeface making it very hard to read, and I have very good colour vision. You have the dilemma of making the contrast high, and therefore the glare - the old conflict between accessibility and usability
but if you really have to do this, try a deep cherry, while being aware that of course that what my screen displays is different to yours, and what my eye sees is different from yours.
What is wrong with red banners/ stripes, underlines and logos to show the corporate colours?