Heads up - we're about to introduce a wee (it's really not that big) site update...

[JustineMumsnet]

Morning folks,

As some of you pointed out at the time, the new navigation bar we introduced a little while back on the desktop site sits a little uncomfortably with what goes underneath it, design-wise.

So today we're introducing a little refresh of the rest of Talk. This update is also a bit closer to the mobile version, which it currently clashes with, so those who frequently switch from desktop to mobile will get a less variable experience.

If you use Mumsnet solely on mobile or tablet: as you were! Nothing’s going to change for you.

For desktop users, the functionality is unchanged (except for the addition of a threads I'm on button on the left hand side) but the fonts will look a little different.

We realise that any change can be difficult (and not necessarily welcome!) but please do give it a few days, as very often, we find, things like this just take a little getting used to and soon enough you've moved on and won't remember the difference.

As ever, we’re really keen to have your feedback, though, so do post below with your thoughts (we’re confident that you will ). Also, if anyone fancies getting involved in the testing of this kind of stuff, do shout, we're always looking for volunteers.

We’ll switch everything over in the next hour or so - let us know what you think! We’ll keep this thread stickied in Site Stuff and Active Conversations throughout at the day.

Justine

I don't have any problems with the change. But perhaps for the naysayers, they could be able to change the font in the 'customise' section? would that work?

I don't mind change. I'm not a complainer. But. I cannot read this font without going completely cross eyed. It has given me a headache. Please make it go away.

I like the overall design but this font is horrible. It's too faint and too small. It takes too much effort to read anything.

There's nothing wrong with the typeface. It is used widely across the net, Facebook etc. It is, as Justine said, a well tested typeface. It is highly rated and designed specifically for online use.

In order to make it as easily accessible to older eyes, those with sight problems, dyslexia etc it just a couple of simple changes.

Honest!

I took a break for a bit of respite as the typeface was doing my head in, made a cup of tea. Went to pour it, missed the cup completely, water all over the floor, slipped on it, banged my head on the door. I haven't got double vision, I've got quadruple. Marvellous!

claig are you OK? That sounds far too exciting!

What's up with the new font? Seems more hard work to read. Maybe I just don't like change.
I really don't like it, can we change back to the old one?

Changed my mind. I love the font itself, nice and simple, but I agree with everyone else, it is just too wispy to comfortably read on a white background. Not enough definition. It works well for Bold and headlines but the normal black text is hard to read.

Zoom is back up to 125%.

I like the new layout, but the font is horrific. Really making my eyes strain.

Hi again,
Obviously eyes and heads hurting is not a great outcome - sorry about that! It's disappointing given it's a recently introduced Google font that will have been tested to the nth degree. That font is now used for Google+, Google Play,YouTube and Google Maps.

But obviously everyone's experience is different and we clearly don't want to cause migraines. So we'll give it a few days and then see how folks are feeling about it. If it's still causing problems we'll look at alternative options.
Thanks for the feedback,
Justine

Ok so I am back to have a re-look and I feel the same as I did this morning, it is horrendous.

Is MNHQ listening to us or are they going to leave it to see if we change our minds?

x-post.

I guess I will be having a probably much needed break from MN.

I'm finding the font difficult to read (I'm on a desktop). I've tried increasing its size (with control and plus) but it's hard to read at any size. It would be nice to have the choice to customise the font (I'd choose to go back to the old one!)

I like the plain logo on the top left.

Where do you find your hidden threads now "Customise" is gone?

Well it's Newbies and Lurkers Week. Perhaps they will like it more?

I don't know about Google+ (does anyone actually use that?) or Play but neither Youtube nor Google Maps has screens full of text in the same way MN does. Its not the same thing at all.

I don't know about Google+ (does anyone actually use that?) or Play but neither Youtube nor Google Maps has screens full of text in the same way MN does. Its not the same thing at all.

This^^

There is no large paragraphs of text on either of those.

Good thing is I'll be able to read my book as I can only manage a few minutes at a time on here and everyone knows you need to stay hours!!

Might see you all later??

Haven't RTFT Justine but has anyone mentioned it would be handy to have a 'page up' arrow at the bottom of very long threads as I am perpetually lazy and can't do it myself?

I'm on a phone - hate the app and the mobile site

Desktop site is now giving me a headache - font is bad

Good excuse to read less Mumsnet I guess

youtube and maps have no blocks of text at all.
google play, is to match the look of android where robota is the default, and gets almost no usage on desktop, it's also not the used font for large blocks of text. Google+ is just unused, mumsnet almost certainly has more genuine usage.

Roboto is a good font for high legibility on labels, small blocks of text, and where varying font weight is more appropriate than varying size for relative importance - ie on small screens.

It's a lousy font for large blocks of text that you want to read quickly. Fortunately a user stylesheet and it disappears for me, but you're harming the readability of your content.

That does not make i

I don't mind the lay out changes, in fact it's nice not to make ss active and end up in settings!

But this font is very difficult to read, I have to blink a lot at it, and the with contact lenses that's not fun.

It is easier imo in the reply box and bolded.

I don't do change well

I'm sure I'll get used to it martyr

Hello

Just some feedback from a desktop user.

The font on actual threads is simple, clear and lovely.

The font on the message box as I type is different, and too faint. It's confusing having different fonts.

The font on AC or TIO is different yet again, and too big, and much too faint.

It's very hard to adjust to.

Also: the TIO and AC buttons on the left are appreciated, but the font is almost invisible on the background...can't tech see that when they are doing it? I didn't even notice them till you said they were there and then it took me a while, as they just look like blue rectangles with no writing on.

Thank you

OK, this is now a different font displaying on my messages than an hour ago (not the old one, a different new new one), it's smaller and not as thin. It's not the same as the one for writing messages! I think the testing process isn't complete here.