Color Accessibility Workflows

A Book Apart Briefs #5

by Geri Coady

Color is a powerful tool that affords seemingly endless design possibilities, but we often design with only one type of color vision in mind-our own. Make sure that accessibility and aesthetics go hand in hand with every design you create. Learn what color accessibility is (and why it matters); choose appropriate colors and implement testing; and snag a few key tips and tricks to get your color game plan together. You'll become a better, more empathetic designer by discovering how other people see the world.

Genres: Design

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

Reviews

[audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good graphic visual examples, but overall a very dry writing style. Also, the book has obviously been directly printed from the electronic version rather than laid out carefully for printing, so you have references in the text that are laid out in a slightly lighter gray rather than being indicated with a super-numerary. Plus I just didn't learn anything new.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Well written, and good example, but fewer takeaways for me personally than I was hoping for. I could probably have read some blog posts for the same effect.

I learned more about color vision and color vision deficiencies than I ever have before!

Takeaways:
- (continue to) use testing tools like WAVE, Color Oracle, and Chrome accessibility audits
- also test with real color blind users when possible
- don't rely solely on hue for contrast; also use lightness/shade/tint and pattern
- when using color to convey information, use patterns too
- especially for links
- when describing color with words, be straightforward ("light brown", not "iced latte")
- test buttons for contrast against backgrounds

[Jd weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very glad I purchased this book. I'm just starting out in my design journey but I already have the feeling that this will be a book I reference many times throughout. Good advice and loads of tools. Writing is concise and to the point with good examples to illustrated concepts.

Also, some interesting history about colorblindness and prejudice against it. Really builds the case for incorporating this into your methodology.

Worth every penny.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully short read that introduces web designers to the basics of the types of color vision deficiencies (colorblindness), using color in design, and how to address those sticking points in color design that create barriers. As always, A Book Apart delivers a books that gets right down to the basics, delivered in an easy-to-understand way, and provides loads of resources to investigate to further the reader's learning.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read on the topic of color as relates to accessibility. While the title gives away most of the subject matter, Geri includes some thoughtful references to color theory that add additional color to the theme of accessibility. Pleasantly surprised and appreciative of this one.

[Johannes Holmberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and very informative on the topic of color accessibility. Highlights the history and research about visual perception. Describes the problem with designs relying solely on color for conveying information. Gives a couple of nice implementation tricks for testing color accessibility.

[Harold Maduro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buenísmo. Buena explicación, al grano y down to earth de qué cosas se pueden hacer ya con un diseño o armado en HTML/CSS para que sea inclusivo para usuarios con discapacidades como daltonismo (color blind).

[Kassia Cummings · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was very informational and helpful in learning the basics on Color Accessibility and different tools you can implement to be more mindful about your color in design. it was relatively short and basic, but still good info

[Jedi Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is brilliant! It contains lots of practical knowledge. A must read for every web designer.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short read full of actionable advice. Anyone interested in design should give this a spin (for the benefit of everyone who will interact with their products)!

[Angela Opanasenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Impressive book! I spent a day with this book, and it was amazing!
Valuable information.

[Nefeli Kavvada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful book that makes you understand the different color deficiencies and to design with awareness and inclusiveness.