Every year, designers, brands, and creatives look to Pantone’s Color of the Year for inspiration. But this year’s choice has sparked plenty of discussion.
For some, it’s a bold and exciting selection.
For others, it feels polarizing and difficult to use.
Love it or hate it, one thing is clear: using this color requires thoughtful design and intentionality.
When it comes to design, color is not just a visual element—it’s a communication tool. And without careful consideration, the Pantone Color of the Year could unintentionally exclude audiences with specific accessibility needs, especially those who need high color contrast to navigate and enjoy a brand's experience.
Inclusive design principles are the key to make sure this color becomes a powerful part of any design strategy.
The Mixed Reactions to Pantone’s Choice
It’s not unusual for the Pantone Color of the Year to evoke strong feelings. After all, it sets the tone for an entire year of design trends.
This year’s choice is no exception. While some are embracing the color’s unique way to be used as a primary color as well as neutral support, others are wondering how to make it work in practical applications.
The challenge with bold, unconventional colors is ensuring they’re accessible to all audiences. For individuals with color blindness, low vision, or cognitive impairments, certain colors can present barriers rather than opportunities.
As designers, we have the responsibility to ensure that every color—no matter how trendy—accommodates for its audience.
Why Designing with Color Requires Responsibility
Color is more than just aesthetic; it influences readability, usability, and emotional connection. Poorly chosen or implemented colors can alienate audiences or render essential information inaccessible.
That’s why inclusive design is key to using the Pantone Color of the Year effectively.
Here’s the challenge:
If the color lacks proper contrast, text and visuals may become unreadable.
When color alone is used to convey meaning, individuals with color blindness may miss critical information.
If cultural or emotional associations with the color aren’t considered, branding may unintentionally exclude or misrepresent certain groups.
But the good news? With intentional design practices, this color can be more than trendy—it can be transformative.
Designing Inclusively with the Pantone Color of the Year
To ensure the Pantone Color of the Year reaches its full potential, here are some actionable tips rooted in inclusive design principles:
1. Test for Contrast and Legibility
Contrast is essential for readability, especially for text and background combinations. Use tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker to ensure the color meets WCAG AA standards (4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for larger text).
2. Avoid Relying on Color Alone
Color shouldn’t be the only way you convey meaning. Pair it with patterns, icons, or text labels to ensure your designs remain functional for individuals with color blindness or low vision.
3. Pair Thoughtfully with an Inclusive Palette
Using unique colors requires balance. Pair the Pantone Color of the Year with accessible, complementary shades to ensure contrast and usability. Below, I’ve created an inclusive color palette to help you use this year’s color responsibly.
An Inclusive Color Palette for the Pantone Color of the Year
This WCAG-compliant palette includes accessible shades designed to work harmoniously with the Pantone Color of the Year. Use it to create designs that are both bold and inclusive.
Examples of Inclusive Design Using This Color
To inspire your use of the Pantone Color of the Year, here are some inclusive applications:
1. Website Design
Use the Pantone Color as an accent—such as buttons, icons, or highlights—paired with a high-contrast neutral background for maximum readability. Wix created an asset collection inspired by Mocha Mousse and with the guides we gave you, you'll be able to customize with ease.
2. Branding Materials
When designing logos or print materials, ensure the color is used sparingly in text-heavy areas to maintain clarity. Use contrast-friendly versions of your logo for dark and light backgrounds.
3. Social Media Graphics
Social media often tests the limits of bold colors. Pair the Pantone Color with muted tones and always include readable fonts, alt text for images, and captions for videos.
Final Thoughts: Trends and Inclusivity Can Coexist
The Pantone Color of the Year offers an exciting opportunity for creativity—but creativity without inclusivity falls short.
By designing responsibly with contrast, pairing, and accessibility in mind, this color can do more than follow a trend. It can help create designs that inspire, include, and connect with a wider audience.
So, let’s make the Pantone Color of the Year work for everyone. Because great design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making sure everyone is seen.
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