Calculates the difference in CIE Lightness (L*) between two colors in the Lab color space.
The Delta-L* contrast metric is a simple measure that evaluates the contrast between
two colors based solely on their lightness values in the Lab color space. This approach
is used by Google Material Design, where HCT Tone is equivalent to CIE Lightness.
Formula: |L1 - L2|
Key characteristics:
Based on the CIE Lab* color space, which is designed to be perceptually uniform
Simple and computationally efficient
Focuses exclusively on lightness differences, ignoring chromatic components
Directly corresponds to perceived lightness differences in human vision
Used in Google's Material Design system for ensuring accessible contrast
Limitations:
Ignores chromatic components (a* and b*), which can contribute to perceived contrast
May not accurately predict contrast for colors with similar lightness but different hues
Does not account for the non-linear response of human vision at extreme lightness values
Simplistic compared to more comprehensive contrast metrics
Calculates the difference in CIE Lightness (L*) between two colors in the Lab color space.
The Delta-L* contrast metric is a simple measure that evaluates the contrast between two colors based solely on their lightness values in the Lab color space. This approach is used by Google Material Design, where HCT Tone is equivalent to CIE Lightness.
Formula: |L1 - L2|
Key characteristics:
Limitations: