- Success Criterion 1.4.1
- Conformance level A
Chart Data Series Told Apart Only by Line or Bar Color
1.4.1 — Use of Color
Scenario
Setting
A job board's application form
What’s wrong
Charts/graphs where series are distinguished only by color (no patterns, labels, or direct data labels).
Example
Open a job board's application form and this is what you'll see: charts/graphs where series are distinguished only by color (no patterns, labels, or direct data labels).
Why it matters
People with color-vision deficiency, low vision, or constrained viewing conditions such as strong glare. The practical effect on a job board's application form: they can't read the text against its background.
How to test
View a chart in grayscale: if the series lines/bars become indistinguishable without color, and there's no pattern, label, or direct data label, 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 job board's application form 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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