By ColorblindSimulator Team7/5/2024 • 5 min read

How to Design for Color Blind Users – Practical UI Tips

Color blindness affects millions of people worldwide. As designers and developers, it’s our responsibility to ensure our products are accessible to everyone. Here are practical tips to make your UI more inclusive for color blind users.

1. Don’t Rely on Color Alone

• Use text labels, icons, or patterns in addition to color to convey information.
• For example, error states should include an icon or message, not just a red border.
• Test your UI with a color blind simulator tool or try the colorblind test.

2. Choose Accessible Color Palettes

• Pick color combinations with strong contrast and avoid problematic pairs like red/green or blue/purple.
• Use tools like our Palette Checker or preview in real time with the Live Webcam Simulator to see how your palette works for different types of color blindness.
• Check your palette against the WCAG color contrast guidelines.

3. Provide Alternative Indicators

• Use shapes, icons, or text to reinforce meaning, especially in charts, graphs, and status indicators.
• For example, use different shapes for data points, not just different colors.

4. Test with Real Users and Simulators

• Test your designs with people who have color vision deficiencies if possible.
• Use online simulators and accessibility checkers to preview your UI under different conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Accessible design benefits everyone, not just color blind users.
• Use multiple cues, not just color, to communicate information.
• Test your palette and UI with tools like Color Blind Simulator, Palette Checker, Live Webcam Simulator, and Colorblind Test.