Color Vision Types Simulated
The human eye perceives color primarily through three types of cone cells. This simulator approximates how colors appear for representative color vision types where these cone characteristics differ.
- Normal Vision (Common Type): All three types of cone cells function normally.
- Protanopia (P-type dichromacy): The L-cones (red-sensing) are non-functional. Reds and oranges appear darker, and distinguishing between red and green becomes difficult.
- Deuteranopia (D-type dichromacy): The M-cones (green-sensing) are non-functional. Similar to protanopia, but the brightness of reds is preserved. Distinguishing between red and green becomes difficult.
- Tritanopia (T-type dichromacy): The S-cones (blue-sensing) are non-functional. Distinguishing between blue and green, or yellow and purple becomes difficult.
- Achromatopsia (A-type, total color blindness): Cones are non-functional, or only rods are present. Colors cannot be distinguished, and vision appears in monochrome (light and dark only).
Note: P-type, D-type, and T-type simulate dichromacy where specific cone function is absent. The varying degrees of anomalous trichromacy (mild color vision deficiency) are not reproduced. Color perception varies greatly between individuals, so please use this as a reference only.
Color Vision Diversity and Accessibility
Color vision characteristics vary from person to person and are not a disease or disorder. Approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 200 women worldwide have some form of color vision diversity. This is not at all unusual, and it is important for society as a whole to understand and accommodate these differences.
Color Universal Design (CUD)
Color Universal Design is an approach that aims to create color schemes that accommodate the diversity of color vision and are usable by as many people as possible. It benefits not only those who have difficulty distinguishing certain colors, but also elderly individuals whose color perception has declined, and people in temporarily challenging viewing conditions (such as bright outdoor environments), thereby improving information accessibility for everyone.
Accessibility Considerations
Consideration for color vision diversity is required in all contexts -- websites, applications, printed materials, public signage, and more. When information relies solely on color, it may not be accurately conveyed to some people. Use this simulator to check how your creations appear and make improvements accordingly.
Design Considerations
Here are some design tips to ensure information reaches people with diverse color vision.
- Don't rely on color alone: Use shapes, line styles, patterns, icons, and text labels alongside color so that information is understandable even when colors cannot be distinguished. (Example: Differentiate graph items using patterns or line styles in addition to color; use icons and bold text alongside red coloring for error messages.)
- Ensure sufficient contrast ratio: Maintain adequate brightness difference (contrast ratio) between background and foreground (text and figures). Avoid combinations of light colors in particular. Refer to standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines).
- Avoid problematic color combinations: Avoid placing color combinations that are particularly difficult for people with protanopia or deuteranopia to distinguish (e.g., red and green, blue and purple, light blue and pink, green and brown) next to each other or using them to convey important information.
- Verify across vision types: Use this simulator and similar tools to check whether specific information (highlights, warnings, etc.) becomes difficult to distinguish under each color vision type.
- Use text labels: Add legends or text annotations to color-coded areas as needed.
This simulator is a tool for checking color perception differences and exploring color schemes and layouts that are easy for anyone to read. AMIX Design Studio offers accessibility-conscious design proposals, including readable flyer design and eye-catching yet legible product packaging design. If you want to improve the appearance of existing tools or create new printed materials and packaging with color vision diversity in mind, feel free to contact us.