Perceivable
WCAG 1.4.11
Non-text Contrast
UI components and graphical objects need at least 3:1 contrast. Applies to icons, form borders, chart segments, focus indicators — anything meaningful that isn't text.
In plain terms
It's not only text that has to stand out — icons, input outlines, and chart colors must be clear enough to see too.
Why this matters
Faint icons, input outlines, and chart colors leave people with low vision guessing where to click or what a control means — the same hundreds of millions affected by text contrast, plus anyone on a glary screen.
How to detect
Quick check
Run a contrast checker on icon colors, input and focus-ring borders, and chart segments against their background — each needs at least 3:1. Don't forget hover and disabled states.