Hello everyone, I'm an IT supporter (but not a coder) and I would like to suggest a small usability and accessibility improvement for the Debian installer.
After more than 35 years in IT, I only recently realized that code highlighting actually makes it harder for me to read code, not easier—because I personally need *less* contrast, not more. Until now, I never thought to question this, and I suspect many users don't realize how much their color perception affects their experience. Recently, I saw an online color vision test for children (for example: [https://www.sehtestbilder.de/farbsehtest-fuer-kinder/sehtest-kinder-3-dino.php](https://www.sehtestbilder.de/farbsehtest-fuer-kinder/sehtest-kinder-3-dino.php)) where you have to recognize a shape (in this case, a dinosaur) hidden in colored dots. For me, it was more guessing than seeing, because of the way my eyes perceive color. This made me think: What if, during installation, Debian presented a couple of simple images like this and asked users not just “Do you see it or not?” but used a slider (“How well do you see the shape?”) or similar rating—so that, based on this input, the installer could recommend (or at least point to) a color scheme or theme that suits the user's perception? Not as a binary right-or-wrong, or a label for "accessibility", but as a normal individual preference—just like choosing keyboard layout or language. Even simply providing a visible link to alternative color schemes or an explanation like “If these images are hard to see, you may prefer a low-contrast or alternative color theme” during installation would make a big difference. I believe this could help many users (not only those with officially diagnosed color vision issues) feel more comfortable and at home with their system—without ever feeling singled out. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. If this idea (or something similar) has already been discussed or exists, I’d appreciate any pointers! Thanks for considering this, Rüdiger Werner zeichenraum.substack.com One more thought: Many so-called "accessibility" features (like alternative color schemes, high/low contrast, larger text, or simplified interfaces) are actually valuable enhancements for a wide range of users—not just those with diagnosed disabilities. I believe these settings would be better presented as part of general "personalization" or "enhancement" options, not hidden away or separated as special accommodations. Making all visual and usability settings accessible to everyone as a normal part of the installation and system settings could help remove stigma, improve user satisfaction, and encourage more people to customize their experience to suit their real needs. This approach could also make it easier to maintain and develop these features, since they're treated as core usability improvements, not side-options. Thanks again for considering!
