I start color work with access and comfort in mind. Readers need strong contrast, but they also need a page that does not strain the eye. I avoid pure black and pure white and still hit the needed ratios. I test on real components and adjust until text and controls read at a glance.

I build the palette around a neutral background that meets AAA for body text. I set primary and secondary text colors, then check links, buttons, and alerts. I confirm hover, focus, and active states, since those states carry the task forward. I keep the brand colors, but I use them where they will not hurt legibility.