2.2 Contrast between foreground and background colours
The New Zealand Web Standards 2.0 were released in March 2009 and replace the previous version, the New Zealand Government Web Standards 1.0 (below). See Meeting the standards for more information.
The Standard
2.2 Ensure that foreground and background colour combinations provide sufficient contrast for navigation, text and informational elements when viewed by someone having colour deficits or when viewed on a black and white screen.
Guideline to using the Standard
Ensure that background colours contrast with text colours.
Use white text with caution. Apart from being difficult to read on a light colour background, it may not print if background colours are ignored.
Avoid patterned backgrounds that make text difficult to read.
This standard covers the W3C WAI checkpoint 2.2 for NZ government agencies.
Related Standard
2.2 - Contrast between foreground and background colours
Rationale for this Standard
Relates to WAI 2.2.W3C
Poor colour contrast is difficult to read even for users with excellent eyesight. This becomes all the more difficult when users have vision impairments. Bear in mind that there is also a high level of red-green colour blindness in New Zealand. There should be good contrast between text colour and the background colour. Patterned backgrounds make text difficult to read, particularly for those who have poor vision, and should be avoided.
Use white text with caution because it may not print if background colours are ignored.
Further assistance: Irish National Disability Authority
