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

Having looked at it quite a lot, I do really like the font a lot but I agree with others, it's just a bit too pale and needs to be darker.

This may have been asked (and answered) earlier in the thread but - why did you change the font at all? It surely just wasn't for the sake of change was it?

Oh this is hurting my eyes. There is no way I can read as much on here as I usually do, it is horrible. I am surprised a font change has made such a difference but it has. It physically hurts to read it.

It really isn't a suitable font for large amounts of text, and it is very jarring when you scroll down.

Agree with a previous poster too, irrespective of the viewing nightmares it is very odd for a company to change a font. It is part of their brand identity.

Actually forget Specsavers, the deal must have been done with Nurofen.

Also agree with another poster who said waiting a few days to see how things go is not going to be of any use to those of us with eye issues.

Incidentally when did the picture allowance go up to 30 images a day from 6?

i just can't understand the thinking behind it. How can you have loads of your regular posters telling you its causing headaches and hurting their eyes and they will not come here if it stays like this, and still wan't to give it a few days?

its not going to suddenly become easier to read!

I have a side by side, here - firefox, chrome and edge (on Windows 10 laptop)

Chrome is very light - I can see why people would struggle with that. Firefox, which is my default browser because I usually find it more usable, is displaying at a much better size, but the letters are so close together that they all roll into one - like a PP I have an astigmatism and wear varifocals (and my middle distance vision in this current pair is dreadful, so reading my screen can be hard enough, at the best of times). Edge is the most readable, despite being small, but I hate using it!

Doh!

I feel quite patronised by that response. As someone who is visually impaired I can categorically state that this is not an accessible type face in this format for me.

It is clearly not being implemented in a way that is easy to read for many people. A breezy 'oh a few little changes, you'll get used to it, soz for those who claim they find it difficult' response is fairly insulting to those of us with sight difficulties.

I am on my ipad. I find it very difficult to read. This is not a style preference, it is an accessibilty issue.

Agree 100% with the above. My eyes are so sore after less than ten minutes reading this thread. I have astigmatism and am finding the "oh it will be ok in a few days" attitude frankly insulting.

I think it is a bit insulting to make us wait a few days to see if we get used to it.

It's hurting our eyes, making people feel dizzy. That isn't going to change in a few days time. There is a big difference between not liking something and not being able to read it without discomfort.

The typeface itself is pretty nice but not with the background.

cross posted!

Loathe the new font - it looks cheap, juvenile & amateur. Don't care if it's the latest google wonder. What's so great about google?

Do listen to your users, Mumsnet - please.

The size of the font on the subforums is better now, but the contrast could be better. Pale blue against white isn't great.

I'm fortunate in being able to actually see the small print on the threads.

The SIZE of font in the message box is good.

The faintness of it is not good.

Active convos and TIO is just, horrible.

I feel very sorry for those with poor eyesight. Mine is 20:20 and I'm struggling.

astigmatism here too, although i'm not wearing varifocals.

out of curiosity, i wonder what everyone else who's reporting issues with headaches/eye strain has wrong with their eyes (if they do of course!)

Maryz & Cozie. The buttons are under DOTD and Trending, They are topics, active and I'm on buttons.

So on the right hand side then, not the left? I've got a bar there rather than buttons but I guess it has the same function.

Ouryve, I've just done the same as you and there really is a difference how it is displayed in different browsers - on the left is IE, on the right is Chrome. IE is far clearer.

ftr.

im not having issues with the shade or size of the typeface, its perfectly legible.

The issue for me is that reading it HURTS my eyes and gives me a headache.

Another one with astigmatism. The font looks spidery and faint, is harder work to read and in blocks of text I'm finding it a struggle to track after the first couple of lines. The old font was far easier to read.

oh, and i agree with other posters, reading it against the shaded background is much easier.

i'm on a thread where there is an exchange between me and an op and all the post background are me-grey and op-green and i could read those without issue.

Hi. When i go into Threads I am Watching, I don't have a "bump and reset" or "remove" option anymore

Aesthetically I think the font is quite appealing, and can see why it was chosen. However, when dealing with large amounts of text that you are scrolling through, I am finding it to narrow, and the large amounts of white space don't help.

There is also an issue with typing delay in the message box which is awful. In that box the font is perfectly legible, once the text I typed 5 seconds ago finally appears.

I use an iPad, but via the safari browser, as I cannot stand the app, sorry

It is too thin. I want to make the whole lot bold to actually see it.
Are we stuck with this?