Inclusion considerations
Inclusion considerations
Colour blindness and low vision
Roughly 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women experience some form of colour blindness87 worldwide. In the UK, 1 in 5 people will experience sight loss at some point88. To support greater inclusivity, use high-contrast colour palettes, offer the option to adjust text size and select different fonts, including dyslexia-friendly fonts and provide visual indicators that do not rely solely on colour (e.g., by employing distinct shapes or textures). Whenever possible, offer alternative formats to access visual information. There are numerous sources89,90 that provide practical recommendations on designing for users with low vision or colour blindness.
Lighting and brightness
Bright lights or high-glare visuals can be overwhelming for some individuals, including those with migraines or photosensitivity. Providing adjustable brightness levels or offering darker night-mode display options can help mitigate discomfort.
Motion sensitivity and flicker
Rapid on-screen movements and flicker effects may trigger discomfort or photosensitive epileptic seizures. Offering reduced-motion or static display options and ensuring critical content is not lost if motion is disabled, can help users remain engaged without health risks.
Cognitive load and simplified layouts
Overly dense or cluttered designs can create cognitive overload. Offering simpler focus modes or letting users hide non-essential visuals and text can help reduce cognitive load.