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

The font is awful. I don't see how this can meet accessibility checks - it is harder for me to read let alone anyone with dyslexia due to the spacing of the letters.

I don't mind change but I have problems with my eyesight (that glasses can't correct) and I am finding the new font difficult to read.

That's true, Nanny0gg.

I have had a good look round and do think the issues are down to just 2 issues:

1. The contrast between background and text
2. The weight of the text, it is too light in many places. In Active and other lists plus here in the 'add your message' box the lighter weight is more difficult to read, it needs to be heavier.

MNHQ I think you probably have this set to Light it needs to be Book, I would think. I know you probably have a good logical argument for using Light, Book and Bold, but I think you may have overdone it... less may be more in this case

The boxes on the top of the topic pages (e.g on Chat I'm seeing a box directing me to Mumsnet Films) have the 'Find out more' link showing in blue text on a blue box, which is hard to read.

I've bumped my desktop up to 125%, which makes the font more legible. However, it is far too thin and spacey. Hard to read, and hard on the eyes.

The box for commenting is particularly bad. In general, no new is good new.

Don't like it. I'm finding myself squinting. I normally scan read and i'm finding i can't do that with this font.

And the message box is AWFUL! Thin spidery font with mahoosive red zig-zag lines which almost block the word :(

WHO thought this was a good idea?

The font is terrible. Did no one test this before going live? Disaster

claig the typeface is used across t'internet, Facebook use it, amongst others. It is the got to accessible online typeface.

We just need Book not Light and a more intense background colour and it should all be fine.

The font is difficult to read and is giving me a headache. Not a good change, please think again.

I just came back to TIO after a break on FB, and my forehead literally contracted in pain as my eyes tried to focus.

As I keep saying, I don't mind the posts on threads so much, but TIO, Active, and the message box are DREADFUL.

I should point out that my laptop is on maximum dimness setting anyway (and still too bright for my light-sensitive eyes), which might be why I'm not getting so stressed about the amount of white space - just unplugged the laptop to see just how bright it is and OMG! Like being shot in the face with a white light.

YOu can try as hard as you like, OurBlanche but you're not going to be able to change everyone's usage of the term "font" back to "typeface", as even the file in Windows is called Fonts! It's the go-to term now, dontchaknow

Has this been done deliberately in partnership with an optician chain in order to drum up new business?

Would have appreciated a popup heads up message to save me wasting half an hour googling to see if there was something wrong with my browser.

I know, ThumbWitch but, on this I really am professionally offended

Ok, after trying to read here for 10 minutes I now feel dizzy and nauseous. Please, please change back or I won't be able to use the site.

I find the new font a lot harder to read. Like, a lot-lot. As PP said it's a fairly delicate font and the contrast with the white background makes it painful. Please re-think this, or we'll all be typing in bold all the time just to see one another's posts!

Is this governmental or just mental?
It's a bit early for April Fools' Day, isn't it?

I like the colours, now it's all changed it looks more balanced. I like the white space, it looks very clean and fresh, and like it can breathe. Thank you very much for the "Threads I'm on" link on the left. Any chance we could get a "Threads I'm watching" too please?

I'm afraid I don't like the font. It's too small and the weight is too low for it to be easy to read.

The font is deeply awful, far far too difficult to read, it is too spindley and needs to also be darker. At the moment it's like a spider escaping off an ink pad.

Posting a message is just guesswork, as it's almost impossible to read the message box.

I'm not keen either

Oh boy, this is horrible.

Maybe it's my eyes but I find it hard to stay focused on the page now and I feel quite headachey...

it's horrible
the font is eye wateringly awful

it's all too pale

very hard to look at without your eyes hurting

I can't see any buttons either, Elementary. Could someone who has them maybe post a screenshot so that I know where to look?