Two important aspects of accessible design are color contrast - the difference in brightness between foreground elements (like text) and their background - and a good readability of the content. 

In this article, we explain why color contrast matters, and share tips for maintaining good color contrast and readability for all users.

Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided here is only a suggestion and does not constitute legal advice. Any liability in connection with the use of the information provided is excluded. No guarantee is given for the accuracy, completeness and up-to-dateness of the information. We advise you to seek legal advice if you have any uncertainties or questions.

Why Color Contrast Matters

People with low vision, color blindness, or other visual impairments may have difficulty reading text or identifying elements when the contrast between foreground and background is too low. Poor contrast can also impact users in bright environments or those using low-quality screens.

Accessible color contrast ensures that:

• Text is legible for people with vision impairments.

• Interfaces are usable across a wide range of lighting conditions and devices.

• Content complies with standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Best Practices for Color Contrast and Readability

Here are some best practices you can use to ensure better color contrast and readability: 

• Be careful when using colors: Avoid bright colors or faint colors that are too hard to see.
• Limit high-saturation backgrounds: Bright colors can cause eye strain.
• Ensure high contrast ratios: The text should be clearly distinguishable from the background and thus easy to read. According to WCAG 2.0  a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 is required.
• Avoid color alone to convey meaning: Use icons, labels, or patterns alongside color to share information.
• Use sufficient font size: 16px or larger is a good baseline.
• Choose readable fonts: Use clear, sans-serif fonts and avoid decorative scripts.
• Maintain consistent spacing: Adequate line height (1.5x) improves readability.
• Ensure the content is readable on all screen sizes: Users might need to zoom-in, so design for different devices, views and screens
• Avoid flashes, blinks, or fast-moving elements: They can trigger seizures, make it hard to read the content, or makes it hard to understand the content or even confuses or distracts users. For elements that move automatically, provide controls to manually stop them. 

How to Check Color Contrast

There are several tools available to check color contrast:

• WebAIM Color Contrast Checker: https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/

• Accessible Web: https://accessibleweb.com/color-contrast-checker/ 

• Browser extensions: Tools like WAVE can scan entire pages.