An increasingly important issue when creating colour schemes for commercial projects or public buildings is the consideration of how easily and safely partially sighted people can navigate the area. The Building Regulations Approved Document Part M provides guidance on the usage and access provisions that must be considered to meet the requirements highlighted in the Disability Discrimination Act.
When navigating an unfamiliar area the vast majority of partially sighted people will stop and take visual clues from the space around them. Colour and colour differentiation, when used correctly, can create a potential benefit. By following a few simple rules, a suitable colour scheme can be easily developed.
1. Use contrasting colours
When choosing a colour scheme to meet the needs of partially sighted people, it’s vital that colours not only complement each other but also provide a good level of contrast.
Imagine if a bright red and bright blue were photocopied in black and white. The colour differential in the shade of grey between these two bright colours would be nominal. Do the same with light and dark blue, and the difference between the shades of grey would be significant. As many partially sighted people rely on visual clues to navigate an unfamiliar area, such colour contrasts play a vital role, as using colours of the same tonal value may appear to be the same.
2. Consider light reflectance values (LRVs)
To ensure that sufficient contrast of colour is achieved for critical surfaces such as floors and walls that are adjacent to one another, understanding Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) is important. The LRV of a colour relates to the amount of visible light that is reflected when illuminated by a light source but it also tells you how much light that particular colour absorbs. On a scale from 0% to 100% where zero is assumed to be an absolute black and one hundred to be a perfectly reflective white, it is recommended that there is a difference of approximately 30 points between the colours.
To facilitate easier colour selection, the Johnstone's fan deck states the LRV of all colours.
3. Identify key features
It is also important that other features of a room are easily identifiable. For example, there should be enough contrast between the walls and the ceiling so that the person can better understand the size and height of the room. Other features that should be highlighted through the use of contrasting colours include any exposed edges to sloping floors, seating, doors and door furniture, sanitary fittings and grab bars as well as electrical sockets and light switches.
4. Ensure good illumination
As both natural and artificial light can affect colour in different ways, another important factor to consider when creating a colour scheme is the way in which a room is illuminated. For example, fluorescent lighting can make certain colours appear harsh or cool whereas daylight can create glare. Ensuring that lighting is bright and even will help create a more accessible environment. Consideration should therefore be given to replacing unsuitable sources of artificial lighting.
5. Choose the right finish
As well as considering colours, the choice of paint finish also has an important role to play. As shiny surfaces can cause confusion when visually impaired people are trying to navigate unfamiliar areas, a matt or mid-sheen paint finish should be used to maximise the benefits of colour contrast. Designs should also be kept as simple as possible and the use of mixed, confusing patterns or stripes avoided.
Example Colour Schemes
Click here to download a pdf of our leaflet "Colour Schemes for Partially Sighted People".