Scope
This part of document ISO 24505 provides a method for creating conspicuous colour combinations for
general population. This includes individuals with diverse colour vision characteristics such as colour
deficiency, low vision, and age-related changes in colour perception. The basic method is based on
that prescribed in ISO 24505 and ISO 24505-2, which collectively address the full spectrum of colour
vision types covered in these referenced standards.
This part of document addresses the design of visual signs and displays in which multiple colours are
used in various types of combinations in order to make the combinations visible, conspicuous and
comprehensive to people with the diversity of colour vision.
Moreover, the requirements presented in this part, along with those found in ISO 24505 and ISO
24505-2, are primarily oriented towards reflective or object-mode colours. However, they may also be
adapted for application to self-luminous-mode colours provided that the colour coordinates are
appropriately transferred to those of the object-mode colours.
For the special use of colour for safety, selection of colours and their combinations shall comply with
ISO 3864-1.
Purpose
The richness of colour information in our physical environment is growing thanks to advancements in
information technology. However, the spectrum of human colour vision varies widely, meaning not
everyone can access this information equally. Factors such as aging or colour vision deficiencies can
hinder some individuals from identifying or differentiating colours. Consequently, when creating public
visual signs or displays, it's crucial to take into account the variations in human colour perception to
make the information accessible to the widest range of people.
Addressing the challenges of diverse colour vision capabilities, ISO 24505 and ISO 24505-2 provide
methods for creating discernible colour combinations. The former caters to individuals with normal
colour vision affected by age-related changes, while the latter is tailored for those with colour vision
deficiencies and low vision. Given that the general population possesses a range of colour vision
capacities, as previously noted, there is a need to apply these methods more broadly.
This document introduces a method under ISO 24505 for developing colour combinations suitable for
the general population. This encompasses individuals with colour deficiency, those with low vision, and
those with age-related changes of colour vision.
ISO 24505 series is structured into various components, each focusing on methods and data for
creating discernible colour combinations:
— Part 1: For young and older people without visual impairments
— Part 2: For people with colour deficiency and people with low vision
— Part 3: For population with diverse colour vision
Throughout these documents, the Munsell Colour System is employed for colour descriptions, which is
recommended by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage [1] for a consistent colour order system.
Furthermore, this document aligns with the accessibility guidance stipulated in ISO/IEC Guide 71 [2]
and the design guidelines set out in ISO/TR 22411 [3].
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