"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."
"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."
Designers often learn text contrast thresholds: 4.5:1 for normal text (24 CSS pixels and below) and 3:1 for large text (greater than 24 CSS pixels). WCAG extends beyond text to require non-text UI elements that are interactive or convey meaning to meet a minimum 3:1 contrast ratio against adjacent colors (SC 1.4.11). Inline links, buttons, and data visualizations need distinct contrast treatment so users with low vision or color blindness can perceive interactivity and data. These issues commonly appear in mature design systems and enterprise products. Level AAA demands higher ratios, such as 7:1 for normal text.
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