The Importance of High Contrast Mode in a Design System.

In the evolving landscape of digital design, creating accessible and inclusive interfaces has become paramount. While dark mode has gained popularity for its aesthetic appeal, it doesn’t address the needs of all users, particularly those with visual impairments. High contrast themes, on the other hand, play a critical role in making interfaces more accessible and user-friendly for everyone. This article explores the importance of designing high contrast components within a design system and how they differ from dark themes.

Understanding high contrast themes

High contrast themes are designed to improve readability and usability of interfaces for users with visual disabilities, including color blindness and low vision. These themes utilise stark contrasts between foreground elements (such as text and icons) and background elements to ensure that all content is easily distinguishable. High contrast design often involves the use of black or white backgrounds with bright, bold colors for text and interactive elements.

Importance of high contrasted components

Improved Visibility

By providing a clear distinction between text and background, these themes reduce eye strain and improve the overall user experience. For example, white text on a black background or black text on a white background creates a sharp contrast that is easier to read than the subtle shades, often used in standard or dark themes.

Accessibility

Designing with high contrast components ensures that your digital products are accessible to a broader audience. According to the WHO, at least 2.2 billion people globally have a blindness. High-contrast themes are essential for these users, enabling them to interact with digital content more effectively. By prioritising accessibility, you not only comply with legal standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the (WCAG), but also demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity.

Enhanced Focus

Improved focus in high contrast components helps in directing the user’s attention to essential elements on the screen. For instance, using a high-contrast color for buttons or calls to action makes them stand out, thereby guiding users through the interface more intuitively. This is particularly beneficial in applications, where quick decision-making is required, such as in emergency services or healthcare applications.

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Comparison against “Dark mode”

• 1. Purpose: Dark themes are primarily designed to reduce discomfort in low-light environments and offer an aesthetic alternative to traditional light themes. They are popular among users, who spend long hours on screens, such as developers and designers. High-contrast themes, however, are specifically designed to enhance accessibility.

• 2. Design: Dark themes typically use shades of gray and muted colors to create a visually pleasing, low-light environment. On the other hand, high-contrast themes employ bold color choices and stark differences between foreground and background elements to ensure maximum readability and usability.

• 3. Use cases: Dark themes are often optional and used based on user preference, whereas high contrast themes are a necessity for users with visual limitations. Implementing enhanced contrast options within a design system is not just about preference, but about ensuring that all users can access and interact with your digital product effectively.

Windows 11 high contrast examples:

Implementation

Incorporating this mode into your design system is a step towards inclusive design, which aims to create products that can be used by as many people as possible. This not only fulfils a moral obligation, but also expands your user base. Inclusive design practices can lead to innovations that benefit all users, not just those with disabilities.

WCAG Contrast Ratio Recommendations

• Normal Text: A minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 is required. This ensures that small text is readable against its background.
• Large Text: A minimum contrast ratio of 3:1 is recommended. Large text, which is defined as 18pt and larger, or 14pt bold and larger, can have a slightly lower contrast ratio, because it is inherently easier to read.

Choosing Accessible Color Palettes

• Choose color combinations that provide a high level of contrast. Avoid using similar colors for text and background as it can make the text difficult to read.

Testing with Users

• User Feedback: Gathering direct feedback from real users helps identify potential issues that automated tools might miss.
• Progressive Improvement: Utilise feedback to make continuous enhancements to your designs. Regular testing and updates based on user input ensure that your enhanced-contrast components effectively meet the needs of all users.
• Diverse Testing Pool: Ensure a diverse pool of testers with various types of visual disability, including color blindness, low vision and age-related vision issues. This comprehensive approach helps to create a more universally accessible product.

Quick Demo

Here is a simple example of adding enhanced contrast on primary button, navigation and hyperlink.

Integrating high contrast mode into your design system is not just a best practice. It is a crucial step towards making your digital content accessible, usable and inclusive. Prioritising this functionality, you are not only enhancing the user experience for those with visual impairments, but also promoting a more inclusive digital environment for everyone. As designers and developers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our digital spaces are welcoming and usable for all, and this mode is a significant part of this mission.