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

Thanks NewYear.

🙂

The same MN page in Chrome and Safari looks very different - much better in Safari, much paler and thinner in Chrome (both on the settings I normally use).

If it is much better in Safari, it must be truly abysmal in Chrome!

I'm also glad that other people have said it's giving them a headache.

I'm getting one too.

I'm on Chrome.

Do I need to download a new web browser to make this headache go away?

I really do like the new font. I didn't find the old one hard to read, either. I'm just going to enjoy it for now as I suspect it won't be with is for very long.

I like it. Much clearer and easier on the eye.

Am using safari on an iPad.

I'm now wearing some attractive thick anti glare computer specs with funny coloured lenses. It makes it better. I think MNHQ should divvy up some specs and send them out to MNers - like the new MN scarf, but marginally less fetching

I don't understand how it can meet accessibility standards if it looks so different on different platforms. MNHQ, can you compare it in Safari and Chrome and comment please, pretty please?

I have astigmatisms too, I think this is why it is uncomfortable for me - I am really having to concentrate to tell the difference between some of the letters and the words are starting to blur together.

I had really only just started posting regularly as well.

Hmm I love the look of the font

BUT

I am finding it hard to read ( dyslexic as a fish)

Ugh, I hate the new font. I don't know why it should make such a difference but it does? It just seems too tall and thin and the words are clogged up together (very technical, me). It's also making my eyes really tired, even with my glasses on.

Old gimmer here on Safari, thought MNHQ said on a tablet there would not be any changes??

In some ways I do like the new type with its more modern, whiter cleaner look. HOWEVER it is so much smaller and I'm squinting here.

Now for a bit of science. With the large white space between the paragraphs pupils will contract to let less light in, unfortunately this will have the impact of making the darker areas of text harder to read and make us feel like we are straining our eyes. Think of it like a camera lens on a bright day; detail in the shadows will not be so visible.

Larger text needed, smaller gaps between paragraphs, less white.

A font that works well on diagrams, maps and so on when the text is not as important as the background information will not work as well where the primary focus is the text.

I don't like this font either. It's too thin and it's giving me a headache to read. I never normally have a problem reading on the web. It's slightly better if I make the font smaller presumably because the thickness is the same (there's only so thin you can go when your font is one pixel wide!) but is increased proportionally so there is less white space.

MN - have you done any usability testing on this change?

It's taken me more than one attempt to read the entire post; I've then spent half an hour trying to get rid of the nasty headache it's caused.

Yet again MN shows its blatant disregard for posters with the whole "revisit it in a few days (you'll get over it)" shtick posted upthread earlier, but it is a timely reminder that MN is first and foremost in the business of making money, and that's what we're here for, to make money for the site.

I've actually got a couple of days holiday just coming up, I was looking forward to some decent MNing time; this ridiculous and frankly ill thought out change is just the push I need to get off here and read something decent and less nausea inducing.

Doesn't really show much sense to piss off a good chunk of your client/customer base...

I wonder if the ones that say it's better had problems reading it previously or are just going on aesthetics?

I get migraines and often ended up feeling travel sick if I read too much with the old font - haven't spent enough time in front of this one to see if the same thing happens but I am not having to concentrate so hard to read it and it is a much cleaner look than before so easier on the eye though I agree it seems small

AdriftOnMemoryBliss I don't mind the I'm on being on the side I was just wondering why its there twice. I much prefer the blue boxes

The font in the message box is the same size as the thread now unlike a few hours ago which is disappointing, the other way around would have been better. Maybe it was just my desktop playing up though

Hate it - I'm really having to strain to read it.

Hate the font but I'm very picky with fonts. I physically cannot look at Comic Sans

To read posts, you literally have to skim and jump because trying to read every word even over just 5 lines is painful

Has anyone tried it wearing sunglasses?

Seriously. It is like trying to read a book outside on a bright day and it might help

Definitely don't like the new font, too small and really struggling to read, please change it back MNHQ. Reallky, really soon!!!!

So today we're introducing a little refresh of the rest of Talk

Well this has gone well, hasn't it?

Maybe getting plastered drunk until vision becomes blurred may make this font clearer. Has anyone tried it?