r/ColorBlind•
sprungr0ll

My attempt at colorblind accessibility

Question/Need help

TL;DR; I'm designing a game that involves cards. I'm not colorblind, but want to allow the game to be playable for the colorblind.

5 different colored cards

Problem

My game requires color for efficiency.

Cards may have the same effect but with a different target (E.g., Move forward).

Each color represents a different effect. (E.g., Green = Move player number 1 forward, Yellow = Move player number 2 forward, etc.)

Likely, the best way will be to not rely on the players' color distinction ability by:

  • Simply writing down the color being used (E.g., Red on the red card.), similar to how colored pencils state the color of each pencil individually, but may ruin the simple and minimalist design.
  • Unique symbols/design to differentiate different colors. I'm attempting this.

The cards are using the traffic light color scheme (Red-Yellow-Green) along with White and Black.

ColorADD is a potential solution, but ideally would not like to use it due to:

  • Requiring additional monetary resources since it needs a license to be used.
  • Symbols are not universally recognized
  • Requires proper orientation for the icons to make sense, increasing mental cognitive burden

Solution?

With these in mind, I have opted to create and use 2 redundant systems in parallel.

  • Superscript
    • Small text at the top right of each icon to denote the effect of the color.
    • Pros: Text can be read and understood.
    • Cons: May be overlooked.
  • Corner Design
    • Unique description box corner designs for each color, similar to how playing cards have different suit symbols.
    • Pros: Unique to each color, allowing colorblind players to understand that different icons are tied to different colors.
    • Cons: Needs to be learnt.

When most players naturally fan out cards, the top left corner pokes out, the card's icon and description box corner design are visible. Is this solution sufficient enough for the colorblind to understand that each card is different? Do I need to adjust color hues?

Cards fanned out

I have tested by applying Deutan, Protan, Tritan and greyscale filters, and the color palates look discernible (to me), but would be nice to have some opinions on this, and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Please direct me to the correct subreddit if this is not the correct place to be asking.

Posted Dec 9, 2025, 9:59 AM UTC

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