By ColorblindSimulator Team7/5/2024 • 5 min read

Common UI Mistakes That Affect Color Blind Users

Designing for accessibility means considering all users, including those with color vision deficiencies. Unfortunately, many interfaces still contain pitfalls that make them hard to use for color blind people. Here are the most common mistakes—and how to fix them.

1. Relying on Color Alone

• Mistake: Using only color to convey information (e.g., red for errors, green for success).
• Fix: Add icons, text labels, or patterns to reinforce meaning. Test your UI with a color blind simulator tool or try the colorblind test.

2. Poor Color Contrast

• Mistake: Choosing color pairs with low contrast, making text or UI elements hard to distinguish.
• Fix: Use tools like our Palette Checker or preview in real time with the Live Webcam Simulator to test and improve contrast. Follow WCAG color contrast guidelines.

3. Problematic Color Combinations

• Mistake: Using red/green, blue/purple, or green/brown together.
• Fix: Select accessible color palettes and preview them with a color blind simulator or colorblind test.

4. Inaccessible Data Visualizations

• Mistake: Charts and graphs that rely only on color to differentiate data.
• Fix: Use different shapes, patterns, or direct labeling for data points.

5. No Accessibility Testing

• Mistake: Skipping accessibility checks during design and development.
• Fix: Regularly test your UI with simulators and real users, including Color Blind Simulator, Palette Checker, Live Webcam Simulator, and Colorblind Test.

Key Takeaways

• Accessible design is good design.
• Use multiple cues, not just color.
• Test your UI with Color Blind Simulator, Palette Checker, Live Webcam Simulator, and Colorblind Test.
• Follow WCAG guidelines for color contrast.