DEV 1.3 Do not convey information with colour alone

Colour will not be available to all people, for example people who:

You must ensure that these people do not miss out on essential information by not relying solely on colour to present information.

Use colour - but use a non-colour dependent means of providing the information as well:
- Add extra information, e.g;
  - Informative words like "(new)",
  - Characters like "*" to indicate required fields on forms,
  - Icons (with appropriate alternative text - see DEV 6.1);
- Use section headings etc. to separate items into separate categories rather than just colour coding them.

Tip: Colour is often used to highlight:

Watch out for these areas in particular.

Appearance of images to people with color blindness. Poor: Click on the green circle

To show new items use redundant indication e.g. Add the word (new) - do not just highlight with colour

Mandatory fields on forms should not be shown by colour alone - this example uses (*)

©CEUD 2012

The CEUD is part of the National Disability Authority
25 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland. Tel: +353 (0) 1 608 0456

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