FIP Information Design
Colour and Contrast
Colour and contrast are important elements of information design. While the
colour combinations an institution may choose to reflect its Web site content
and attract the desired the target audience are endless, some fundamental
principles must be considered. Firstly, colour is also an important element of
the Federal Identity Program. Secondly, colour and contrast are critical to
meeting Common Look and Feel accessibility standards.
The human eye is subject to a wide range of colour perception impairments. To
ensure all visitors have equal access to government Web sites, Web designers and
managers should be aware of the interconnections between colour and contrast in
information design. Additional references on the subject of colour perception
and application are readily available, both on-line and
in print.
The FIP Common Look and Feel Toolbox provides information on mandatory colour
requirements to ensure Government of Canada Web sites comply with FIP policies
and procedures. In addition, there is a section that offers more general advice
on how to use colour as a means of improving presentation and legibility on
electronic media.
|
