Figma - Checking color contrast for accessibility in Figma
Figma has launched a new feature in its color picker tool that allows designers to check color contrast in real-time, ensuring compliance with WCAG accessibility standards. This feature automatically detects whether the selected element is text or a graphic and checks the color contrast accordingly. For text, it also considers size and weight to apply the correct threshold. If the contrast ratio does not meet the standards, the tool displays a contrast ratio and level indicator, and allows users to adjust to the nearest accessible color instantly. Users can also choose to meet AAA standards. The tool includes a pass-fail boundary line to help designers stay within the accessible range without trial and error. This feature works seamlessly across both text and graphic layers, eliminating the need for plugins and ensuring that accessible design is integrated into the workflow without disrupting the design system.
Key Points:
- Figma's color picker now checks color contrast in real-time for accessibility.
- Automatically detects text or graphic elements and checks against WCAG standards.
- Displays contrast ratio and allows instant adjustment to accessible colors.
- Includes a pass-fail boundary line to guide designers in maintaining accessibility.
- Works across text and graphic layers without needing plugins.
Details:
1. 🌟 Introduction to New Accessibility Feature
- Designing with accessibility in mind just got way easier.
- The new feature streamlines the process by integrating accessibility considerations directly into the design workflow, reducing the need for separate accessibility audits.
- By incorporating real-time feedback, designers can ensure compliance with accessibility standards as they work, improving efficiency and product quality.
- This approach not only saves time but also enhances the inclusivity of the final product, making it accessible to a wider audience from the outset.
2. 🎨 Real-time Color Contrast Checking
- Introduced a real-time color contrast checking feature in the color picker.
- Allows users to check color contrast without leaving their workflow.
- Aims to improve design accessibility and efficiency.
3. 🔍 Automatic Detection and WCAG Compliance
- The color picker automatically detects whether you've selected text or a graphic element and checks color contrast against WCAG accessibility standards for both.
4. ✨ Text Considerations for Contrast Ratio
- When working with text, it's crucial to consider both size and weight to apply the correct threshold for contrast. Larger text can have a lower contrast ratio compared to smaller text, which requires a higher contrast ratio to ensure readability. The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommend a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text. This ensures that the text is accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments.
5. 🚦 Contrast Ratio Indicators and Adjustments
- A contrast ratio and level indicator appears next to the foreground-background preview if your contrast ratio fails, offering immediate visual feedback on accessibility issues.
- Clicking the pass/fail indicator automatically adjusts to the nearest accessible color, ensuring instant compliance with accessibility standards by recalibrating the color settings based on predefined accessibility criteria.
6. 🔄 Meeting AAA Standards Easily
- The tool visually indicates areas that meet AAA standards, helping users identify compliant sections quickly.
- It reduces the need for trial and error by providing clear guidance to stay within the accessible range, enhancing efficiency in achieving compliance.
- AAA standards ensure the highest level of web accessibility, and this tool simplifies the process, making it accessible to users without extensive technical knowledge.
- By clearly marking compliance boundaries, the tool empowers users to make informed decisions, thus improving the overall accessibility of their web content.
7. 💡 Seamless Integration Across Layers
- The system provides tools for manual fine-tuning of colors, enabling precise customization of design elements. By adjusting these settings, users can achieve the exact visual output they desire, tailoring their projects to specific needs or preferences.
- Seamless integration is achieved across both text and graphic layers, ensuring consistent and cohesive design. This integration allows for a unified aesthetic across various components of a project, reducing discrepancies and enhancing overall design quality.
8. 🚀 Accessible Design Built-in
- Accessible design should be integrated into the system, eliminating the need for plugins or additional guessing.
- Compliance with accessible design standards should not compromise the design system or add extra burden.
- Implementing accessible design from the ground up ensures a seamless user experience without retrofitting solutions.
- Utilize best practices like semantic HTML and ARIA roles to enhance accessibility.
- Regular audits and user testing with assistive technology can ensure ongoing compliance and usability.