"Most designers know the basics of web accessibility and color contrast. We've memorized that "normal text" ( 24 CSS pixels and below) needs to meet a 4.5:1 contrast ratio with its background, and "large text" (greater than 24 CSS pixels) needs to meet a 3:1 ratio. But WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) color contrast requirements don't stop at text. There are lesser known WCAG success criteria (or "rules") that are still very important for inclusive design;"
"Some of these forgotten requirements circle around UI components, inline links, and data visualizations, which all have color contrast rules of their own. When these details are overlooked, users can't tell what's interactive, what's linked, or what the data is actually saying (even if all the text uses accessible colors). And these accessibility gaps aren't edge cases. They show up in mature Design Systems, enterprise products, and well-intentioned designs because they live outside the accessibility standards designers tend to learn and adopt."
Normal text (24 CSS pixels and below) must meet a 4.5:1 contrast ratio with its background, while large text (>24 CSS pixels) must meet a 3:1 ratio. WCAG color contrast requirements also apply to non-text UI elements, inline links, and data visualizations. SC 1.4.11 (Non-Text Contrast) requires interactive or meaningful non-text elements to have at least 3:1 contrast against adjacent colors. Overlooking these rules prevents users with low vision or color blindness from distinguishing interactive elements, links, or data. These gaps appear in mature design systems and enterprise products. WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the referenced standard; Level AAA demands higher ratios.
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