- Success Criterion 1.4.1
- Conformance level A
Editable Fields Identified Only by a Color-Coded Legend
1.4.1 — Use of Color
Scenario
Setting
A video streaming service's show detail page
What’s wrong
"Fields in blue are editable" style legends where the distinction exists only chromatically.
Example
A video streaming service's show detail page is a good example: "Fields in blue are editable" style legends where the distinction exists only chromatically.
Why it matters
People with color-vision deficiency, low vision, or constrained viewing conditions such as strong glare. The practical effect on a video streaming service's show detail page: they can't perceive part of the content because of how it's displayed.
How to test
View a color legend (e.g., 'blue fields are editable') in grayscale: if the distinction vanishes, it fails.
How to fix
A second visual cue (text, underline, icon, or pattern) must convey the information alongside color.
Outcome
That one change on a video streaming service's show detail page means they read the text clearly against its background.
Who is affected
People with color-vision deficiency, low vision, or constrained viewing conditions such as strong glare.
Learn more
- Understanding Understanding document (opens in a new tab)
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