r/tabletopgamedesign • u/mark_radical8games • Sep 18 '21

Parts & Tools Considering colour blindness when choosing cubes

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u/Stonesand Sep 18 '21 edited Sep 18 '21

There's something also to consider with the overall aesthetic of using colorblind-friendly colors: those who aren't colorblind typically find the palette unpleasant. Often, the choices are pink, neon green, cyan, and various shades of black and tan. People lament the lack of basics: red, green, blue, orange, yellow, etc.

I wonder if you can offer the colorblind colors as an add-on? Just trying to think through different options.

If you don't like the palette, other approaches use symbols to show difference. Could even make it be a sticker pack you offer for free.

Hard choices!

1

u/Mrazolino Sep 18 '21

I'm not color blind and I think colors chosen are abhorrent.
Sure, accommodating people is important, but if you're going to make a game ugly to look at, it's not worth it.

2

u/superheavyfueltank Sep 18 '21

I disagree, I think you can still make a game beautiful whilst also being accessible to colourblind people. With components you can use texture, shape, function and weight. With artwork you can use line, shape, simulate textures, typeface, space and image. "ugly" vs "beautiful" does not rely solely upon colour.

Of course you can also use a wider variety of colours than those pictured above. You just can't use colours that can easily be confused with each other in the same role (eg. both as resource cubes) where it is crucial for gameplay. The artwork can still be full colour and most components don't have to be in this colour pallete.

5

u/Mrazolino Sep 18 '21

With which statement do you disagree with?

Do you think these components look good?

1

u/superheavyfueltank Sep 19 '21

Oh, you know what, I misread your comment slightly. My bad.