Accessibility

Symbols, not just colour

The puzzle uses distinct symbols rather than colours alone to differentiate cells. Even in the default theme, every symbol has a unique shape (▲ ⬤ ◼ ★ ◆ ✚ ⬟ ⬢), so the game is playable without relying on colour perception.

Symbol themes

Eight symbol sets are available in Settings. If geometric shapes are difficult to distinguish, you can switch to letters (A–H), numbers (1–8), or emoji sets (animals, nature, space, ocean, food). Each theme is a complete alternative - the logic is identical.

High contrast mode

High contrast mode is available via the contrast toggle button in the top-right corner of the game. When active, it increases the contrast between foreground and background elements to make the grid easier to read. The preference is saved and restored on your next visit.

Font options

The Settings menu includes a font selector. Available options include the system default font, Open Sans, Arial, and OpenDyslexic - a typeface designed to improve readability for people with dyslexia. OpenDyslexic is self-hosted within the game and available without an internet connection.

Large touch targets

Cells and symbol buttons are sized to be comfortable to tap on touchscreens. The minimum interactive size is 44×44 pixels on mobile, consistent with WCAG 2.1 target size guidance.

Screen reader support

The game includes ARIA labels and roles throughout:

• The game board uses role="grid" and individual cells use role="gridcell".
• The symbol bar has an accessible label ("Choose a symbol").
• Status changes (wrong guesses, hints) are announced via a live region.
• Modals use role="dialog", aria-modal="true", and trap focus while open.
• Icon-only buttons have descriptive aria-label attributes.

Screen reader support has not been formally audited against WCAG 2.1 AA. If you encounter issues using Mosaic with a screen reader or assistive technology, please get in touch.

Sound

Sound effects (placed symbol, wrong guess, puzzle complete) and background music can each be toggled independently in the Settings menu. Both default to their respective standard states and the preference is saved for future visits.

Responsive layout

Mosaic adjusts its layout for screens of different sizes. The game board, symbol bar, and navigation rearrange for mobile, tablet, and desktop viewports. The game is tested at portrait and landscape orientations on mobile.

No time pressure (optional)

Timed scoring is a feature of Daily Challenge and Infinite Timed modes, but not a requirement. Infinite Relaxed mode removes the timer, score, and wrong-guess counter entirely. Players who find time pressure difficult or distracting can use Relaxed mode without any feature difference in how the puzzle works.

Planned improvements

• Formal keyboard navigation for the game board (arrow key cell selection)
• Formal WCAG 2.1 AA audit
• Additional visual themes

If you need a feature not listed here, or have feedback on anything that currently does not work as expected, please contact us.