Distinguish chart series beyond a colour key

What to change

Ask the supplier to provide additional series identification and a readable alternative appropriate to the displayed information.

A worked example

Illustrative example

A portal comparison uses named lines with different markers and provides the same values in a table, so the visitor can verify which series they are reading.

How to check the result

Accept when each series can be identified and its relevant values understood without matching colours across distant parts of the chart.

A mistake to avoid

Adding patterns to a visually crowded chart can increase clutter; test whether the chosen alternative actually improves recognition.

Your action checklist

Use these checks to prepare a discussion with your team or supplier. Tick a check when you have recorded the decision or evidence, rather than when a feature has simply been promised.

Decisions to recordInspect a representative chart without relying on hue. Check whether labels, line styles, markers or an accompanying table identify each series and value.Try any interactive legend and data-point details using a keyboard. Ask the supplier to demonstrate that the same distinctions are available through assistive technology.Resize the chart and enlarge the page. Labels and keys should remain associated with the right series rather than becoming clipped or ambiguous.

Evidence, open questions and decisionsNext action and responsible role

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