Example of Barriers to the Color Blind Computer User

Scenario:

A computer user who is color-blind cannot distinguish certain colors. When the content of a Web page presents information using color, the user faces a barrier to accessing information.

A student, Stephen, has started to take a test online. He is unable to complete the test because the questions include color-coded items that he cannot distinguish. The first question says, "Choose the correct answer or answers for each question.  The most important words are marked in green.  Which words are the most important?"

Solution:

• Avoid using color to convey meaning.

Resources to broaden your knowledge of color blindness include:

Color Blind Homepage by Terrence Waggoner: http://colorvisiontesting.com/

Isihara Test for Color Blindness: http://www.toledo-bend.com/colorblind/Ishihara.html

Simulation in the Web Designer's Color Card and Chart: http://www.visibone.com/colorblind/

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