CLF for the Internet - Navigation and Format

Rationale

Only the 216 Web-safe colour options ensures compatibility with the full range of browsers and platforms available. It also makes good design sense to pick complementary colour schemes that display sufficient contrast for the average user.

Interpretation

In general, the standard requires the use of 216 Web-safe colours in all elements of site design to ensure the highest level of display accuracy across all platforms and systems. Web designers should also be aware that colour choices could seriously hamper the functioning of a Web site. While end-users can control colour elements to suit their needs, picking complementary colour schemes that display sufficient contrast such as black text on a white background, is the best way to avoid creating problems for people with visual and perceptual disabilities.

6.5 Best Practices

Black text on a white background provides high contrast and utility with respect to on-screen and printed information, and provides numerous accessibility advantages.

• 216 Web-safe colour options
• Effective Color Contrast http://www.lighthouse.org/color_contrast.htm
• Making Text Legible: http://www.lighthouse.org/print_leg.htm
• Vischeck : http://www.vischeck.com/
  Vischeck can show you what your image looks like to people who are color blind, people with glaucoma or macular degeneration, elders and children.