by BrainStream Chief User Experience Officer Yung-Wen Cheng
As BrainStream increasingly adopts mobile-first and accessibility-centered design principles, color inclusivity has become a critical extension of this conversation. While earlier discussions may focus on color theory for engagement and emotional impact, it is equally important to recognize how color perception varies across users—and how these differences directly influence usability in educational environments.
Globally, colorblindness affects approximately 8% of men and 0.5% of women, with red-green deficiencies being the most common. This means a significant portion of students may not perceive color cues in the ways we intend. In BrainStream—where charts, progress indicators, alerts, and categorized data are central—poor color accessibility can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, or even disengagement.
To create interfaces that feel both welcoming and functional, we should adopt color strategies that remain effective for all users, regardless of visual ability. This includes using high luminance contrast, ensuring that critical information is never communicated by color alone, and reinforcing meaning through shapes, patterns, icons, or labels. These practices not only support colorblind learners but also enhance overall clarity and reduce cognitive load for every user.
Modern devices provide system-level accessibility tools such as Color Correction on Android and Color Filters on iOS. BrainStream should be carefully tested under these modes to ensure that UI elements, charts, and navigation components remain distinguishable and visually balanced. Supporting these features strengthens our inclusivity and ensures that visually diverse learners receive an equitable experience.
Ultimately, designing for colorblindness is part of building a broader culture of intentional, inclusive UX. It bridges previous principles—mobile accessibility, universal usability, and thoughtful color theory—into a tangible practice that helps every student navigate, interpret, and learn with confidence. By treating color accessibility as a core design requirement rather than an afterthought, BrainStream becomes not only more usable but more human-centered.