Exploring the Usability of the LCH Color Model for Web Designers

Abstract

Although the LCH color models have been around for many years, it has just recently been included in web specifications and is currently being implemented by browser vendors. Several voices argue that the LCH color model for web will drastically change how web designers work with colors and lead to improved results. This study explores the usability of the LCH model in context of web design and how the LCH model could affect accessibility. Two specific use cases are addressed, the selection of color harmonies and adherence to color contrast requirements. The results indicate that the LCH model is a worse choice than HSL when the model is used incorrectly to select color harmonies using textbook RYB color theory. Although LCH in some situations simplifies work with color contrasts compared to HSL it seems unlikely to drastically change how designers work with contrast. Several potential challenges with LCH from a pragmatic design usability perspective are discussed.