Users with low vision or color blindness may not distinguish colors or perceive text if the contrast is too low, making digital content difficult to access. Guidance released on visual accessibility recommends using more than just color to communicate meaning and ensuring adequate contrast between text and backgrounds.
For example, rather than saying “Items in red are required,” it is suggested to mark required items with a symbol such as an asterisk (*) so that the information does not depend solely on color. This helps users who cannot see certain colors or who rely on assistive technology.
Additionally, screen readers cannot interpret images unless they have alternative (alt) text descriptions. Including brief and descriptive alt text for informative images ensures all users receive important information, while decorative images should be marked as decorative so they do not interrupt the reading experience.
Further guidance on these topics can be found through resources such as the University of Minnesota ODA’s advice on contrast and writing effective alt text, as well as Siteimprove’s materials for designers about images and colors and alt text fundamentals.
