7.6: Color & Contrast

Criterion Overview

Color can enhance learning by organizing information, drawing attention to important concepts, and improving the visual appeal of instructional materials. However, color should support learning—not serve as the only method of communicating information. Students with color vision deficiencies, low vision, or those viewing course materials on different devices may not perceive colors in the same way.

Sufficient contrast between text and its background is essential for readability. High contrast makes content easier to read on computers, tablets, and mobile devices while reducing visual fatigue for all learners. Likewise, important information should never be communicated through color alone. Labels, symbols, patterns, icons, or descriptive text should accompany color so every student can interpret the information regardless of how they perceive color.

Designing with color and contrast in mind creates instructional materials that are easier to read, easier to understand, and more accessible to all students.

Why It Matters

Students access course materials in a variety of environments and on many different devices. Poor color contrast can make text difficult to read, increase cognitive effort, and reduce comprehension. Students with low vision or color blindness may miss important information if meaning is communicated only through color.

Using sufficient contrast and multiple visual cues improves readability for everyone—not just students with disabilities. These practices support students using mobile devices, studying in bright or low-light environments, or experiencing temporary visual challenges, while also supporting compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and WCAG accessibility standards.

What This Looks Like

A well-designed course typically includes:

• High contrast between text and background colors.
• Graphics, charts, and diagrams that remain understandable without relying on color alone.
• Labels, icons, patterns, or descriptive text used alongside color to communicate meaning.
• Consistent use of color throughout the course.
• Visual elements that remain readable across different devices and display settings.

Students can understand instructional content regardless of how they perceive color.

Design Tips

Ask yourself: If all color were removed from this page, would students still be able to understand the information?

✔ Use high contrast between text and background colors to improve readability.

✔ Avoid using color as the only way to communicate meaning.

✔ Label charts, graphs, and diagrams with text, symbols, or patterns in addition to color.

✔ Avoid placing text over photographs or decorative backgrounds that reduce readability.

✔ Use consistent colors throughout the course to reinforce organization rather than decoration.

✔ Test instructional materials with a color contrast checker before publishing.

✔ Consider how students with color blindness or low vision will interpret your visual materials.