Nice Feature Contrasting Information
Originally posted August 29, 2008
Using contrasting gray scale to contrast information is very helpful. I like this use of contrasting color by the Safari browser team at Apple. Notice that the search words are highlighted in white and the first word found is in yellow. All other text has a gray background. This helps put things in context and helps the user find the search word quickly. This same feature could be used for other applications:
- Text editors – could use contrasting colors to help highlight the script construct being edited.
- Word processors – could use gray scale contrast to highlight the sentence and paragraph being edited or selected.
- Web Browsers – could highlight only the text or object being viewed, (as defined by the mouse pointer location).
- Photo editing software – could brighten the pixel area being edited and dim the rest of the photo.
- Code debuggers – could highlight the trace walk-back item and dim the other statements.
You get the idea. This feature should be optional. For many low vision users, contrast is a great way to pin-point something and make it obvious.