Implementing Alternative Accessible Colours in Power BI Reports

When designing visuals and reports, it’s extremely important to consider those who are not able to see the difference between certain colours. For those who are colour-blind, the ability to differentiate certain hues depends on the colour contrast ratio.

Approximately 350 million people around the world experience some form of colour-blindness ( inability to see the difference between certain colours).
Ideally, we should always try to use accessible colours when designing reports but often this is not possible due to existing branding guidelines and colour conventions like RAG (red, amber, green) used to report on performance and progress. The absence of easily accessible options for toggling between various themes and colour schemes in Power BI often results in reports that lack accessibility.

In this session, we will explore the built-in accessibility features of Power BI and discuss WCAG guidelines for colour usage. I will also demonstrate how to choose accessible colours and share a practical solution I have previously implemented, which enables users to switch between standard and accessible views. This approach not only enhances flexibility but also ensures inclusivity for all users. Additionally, this initiative has significantly raised awareness about digital accessibility among both users and stakeholders.

Optimising reports for people affected by vision impairment ensure equitable opportunities for all users. Taking diversity, inclusion and equity into account when designing visualisations and reports is a good way to express care and concern for all colleagues and stakeholders. It increases trust, collaboration and even innovation.

About Juliana Smith CITP MBCS, Performance and Analytics Specialist
Juliana Smith is an award-winning IT Chartered Professional with over 15 years of experience transforming complex project data into clear, actionable insights. A recognised Power BI and UI design expert, she specialises in creating visually compelling and accessible dashboards that empower stakeholders to make informed decisions with confidence.

Driven by a passion for equitable data practices, Juliana has presented globally for Power BI and Microsoft Data Platform User Groups, sharing her expertise on project reporting and accessible Power BI design. Her sessions focus on practical techniques that combine UI best practices with WCAG accessibility standards to create more inclusive data visualisations.

Through her blog Smart Frames and YouTube channel @AccessibleBI, Juliana shares valuable insights on developing more inclusive designs. By breaking down complex concepts into practical strategies, she makes data accessibility achievable for everyone, empowering individuals and organisations to create equitable, data-driven solutions.