Designing elevation with accessibility in mind

Shadows alone are not always enough to communicate depth. In low contrast environments or on dark backgrounds, shadow details can become difficult to see. When shadows blend into the surface, users may struggle to understand which elements sit above others. Accessible elevation relies on more than subtle blur changes. Clear separation happens when multiple properties change together. Higher elevation levels use larger X and Y offsets and a wider blur span, which creates a stronger sense of lift. Lower levels use smaller offsets and softer shadows that stay close to the element’s edge. In dark mode, some systems also lighten elevated surfaces so the difference remains visible.

Accessible elevation also avoids decorative shadows that do not represent real hierarchy. Extra shadows can create visual noise and draw attention away from important surfaces. Keeping elevation tied to meaningful roles reduces this confusion. Each level should support a specific purpose, such as separating a card from the background or highlighting a temporary overlay. A predictable structure helps more users rely on depth cues to navigate content, even when the interface becomes complex.