Wave Not Like Linear Gradients?

[Jennnnn]

When using WAVE I receive “very low contrast” errors for the top level of my navigation which consists of black text against a light grey to white linear gradient (#ddd, #fff, #ddd). Does WAVE not like linear gradient backgrounds? It says “does not account for background images, gradients,”. Thanks!

[not2easy]

I had never heard of WAVE so I looked it up; apparently it is a tool to assist you in detecting accessibility problems on your site. Their site says they can not detect errors but their reports show you items that might need attention.

WAVE is tool to help web developers make their web content more accessible. WAVE cannot tell you if your web content is accessible. Only a human can determine true accessibility. But, WAVE can help you evaluate the accessibility of your web content.

They expect you (or another human) to look at the issue in question and evaluate it to decide if you want to alter it. They only point out items to focus attention on. If they detect a true accessibility error, it is shown in red.

[lucy24]

It says “does not account for background images, gradients”.

I'm going to go way out on a limb and hypothesize that maybe, possibly, perhaps they're trying to tell you their tool cannot account for background images or gradients.

A tool is only a tool; it's up to the human user to learn how and when to use it. Sure, you can use a hammer to drive a screw into the wall. The hammer won't freeze up, the screw won't utter a word of protest, and the wall will maintain impartial silence.

[Jennnnn]

I’ll ignore the errors. I was just wondering if text set against a gradient background was becoming something that shouldn’t be done even though there is a strong color contrast between the foreground and background. The site meets Lighthouse accessibility standards.

[iamlost]

When dealing with a gradient test against both the lightest and darkest ends of the gradient spectrum. If both good the gradient should be fine. If not consider adjusting.

[tangor]

The site meets Lighthouse accessibility standards.

You've got two opinions and will have to decide which one you will accept. :)