Colour alone can make a gem selection unclear. In a fictional gem legend, two identical circles may differ only by red and green, while a caption says, “Green is selected.” A reader who cannot distinguish those hues cannot reliably tell which circle is active. The issue is identifying the selection, not judging a game result, value or odds.
Why the colour-only version is unclear
Hypothetical example: a panel displays two matching circular gem symbols. The left circle is red and the right circle is green. A small caption states that the green symbol is selected, but there is no outline, tick, label or other marker. If the colours appear similar, the reader has no dependable visual way to connect the caption with one particular circle.
How an added marker improves identification
Hypothetical improved version: keep the red and green circles, but add a visible “Selected” label beside the chosen circle and place a distinct check marker inside it. The unselected circle can carry a “Not selected” label. Now the reader can identify the state through words and a marker, even if the red-green difference is not clear.
The comparison explains selection, not gem value, results or probabilities. The useful test is simple: can a reader point to the selected symbol without relying on hue recognition? If yes, the additional text or shape is doing meaningful work.
What to report without guessing
A short, neutral note could say: “The legend uses two same-shaped circles and colour to show selection. The selected item is not clear without an explicit label or marker.” This reports an observable communication problem rather than guessing the gem’s meaning.
WCAG guidance explains that information should not depend on colour alone; another visual distinction, such as shape or visible text, can provide the needed meaning. A specific hue still needs an additional indicator. Read the W3C guidance on the use of colour.