Further update to Talk font

[JustineMumsnet]

Hi folks,
Following a further round of user testing we are going to make another slight adjustment to the font on desktop Talk (no change to mobile). We are using Roboto font. It was size 14px and weight of 300. We’re going to increase it slightly to 15px and weight of 400 to make it slightly more readable. Plus we are very slightly increasing the line to make it feel just a little less cramped.

Obviously any change takes a wee while to get used to - and we're sorry to inflict more on you - but hopefully you'll get used to it very quickly and agree with the majority of testers that it's an improvement overall.

Do let us know if you have any problems - should be released in the next wee while.

Thanks for clarifying Madhatter, TIO is being looked at.

We tried to reduce the number of font sizes starting with the premise that everything should be the same unless there was a reason to change. We've also tried to keep to just three different sizes on the main section of the screen.

Certain pieces of information have different levels of importance to users when reading and need to take a backseat to allow for a decent flow. In the case of threads the main focus is usually reading the posts themselves so elements like time and date are the smallest in size with username being the 'middle' size.

@RedKites

Start, flip and refresh are noticeably bigger than watch or hide. Unless that's intentional?

Hmm no RedKites that doesn't seem right, attached is a screenshot of what we'd expect you to see. Are you seeing something different?

IMHO, the names should be the same size as the thread text.

The person saying it is just as important as what's being said.

I'm not fussed if the time/date stamps are small, but the small text name looks wrong to me. :)

What the heck is going on? Threads I'm On is in teeny font size, the size in the box when I type a post is larger and more spaced than previously and the typeface when I read threads is also different. It looks like a dozen different typefaces all thrown together in some kind of experiment.

You know, I thought some people were being a tad dramatic when they complained of headaches with the first font change but I totally understand now.

This to me is worse than the first change, not easy to read and already starting to feel migrainy.

I like it

Is it just me that seems to have about 20 different typefaces all competing for attention on the same screen?

I started to like the old new one and it's changed again.

No winning with some.

I am sure I will get used to this in time as well.

Thanks MNHQ for trying to make it more readable for those who couldn't get used to it.

What is the reasoning about having to change all the fonts? I'm really curious as it makes no sense to me at all. I have always been of the mindset 'if its not broken why try to fix it' so I am wondering why MN needs to be 'fixed'.

If there is anyone at MNHQ who suffers from migraine (With Aura) could you please ask them to test this and get their opinion?

Thanks MadHatter - that's a fair point, we made usernames bold to distinguish them and increase visibility but we could do more.

Do other people feel that usernames should be larger?

Stillunexpected It sounds like it might not be quite right for you - can you send us details of what browser and computer you're using and a screenshot if poss?

On the main section of a thread there's only one typeface at three different sizes.

On the right hand column we do introduce a second typeface for some titles and add a condensed form of the main font for space saving use (e.g. buttons).

User names are far too small.

I like this font, it does make reading a bit easier. I agree user names should be a bit larger.

Too many fonts and too many sizes going on in the same page. The text in the 'message' box is too big.

@MTPurse

What is the reasoning about having to change all the fonts? I'm really curious as it makes no sense to me at all. I have always been of the mindset 'if its not broken why try to fix it' so I am wondering why MN needs to be 'fixed'.

If there is anyone at MNHQ who suffers from migraine (With Aura) could you please ask them to test this and get their opinion?

Hi MTPurse, the motivation behind change is to bring more consistency. We have a variety of fonts across Mumsnet both in different sections of the site and across devices and we're on a mission to bring everything together to create a more consistent user experience.

We do our best to test changes with people who have a variety of issues including migraines, both in the office and remotely with users. For this font change we ran tests specifically with folk who were suffering visual issues and then also with a broader group.

It's difficult to find willing volunteers and we're always on the lookout for more people. If anyone would like to volunteer we have more opportunities coming so please do sign up.

It did seem a bit odd! I've hopefully attached a screenshot of how it looks for me. I'm using the desktop site but in Safari on an iPhone if that makes a difference.

You still do... you have already said you chose a 2nd typeface for the RHS

Can I ask again... are you planning on taking down the background? The OP and Own threads are easier to read as the contrast between text and background is less. The off white across the site s slightly too bright, it needs to be knocked back a bit.

As yet no one from MN has answered that question, though a few others besides myself have also mentioned it ...

@RedKites

It did seem a bit odd! I've hopefully attached a screenshot of how it looks for me. I'm using the desktop site but in Safari on an iPhone if that makes a difference.

Oops that's definitely not right! Thanks RedKite we'll pass to tech.

@OurBlanche

You still do... you have already said you chose a 2nd typeface for the RHS

Can I ask again... are you planning on taking down the background? The OP and Own threads are easier to read as the contrast between text and background is less. The off white across the site s slightly too bright, it needs to be knocked back a bit.

As yet no one from MN has answered that question, though a few others besides myself have also mentioned it ...

We have been doing a lot of research into background options and what might suit. There's no definitive one size fits all of course, but we have a couple of options we want to test.

Could you test a slightly less bright background as a matter of urgency, please?

As I said, I used to do this for a living. It is a very, very common error in both hard copy printing and online sites. By just toning down the contrast you could eliminate a number of the other complaints.

Happy Days, I can read the text again after weeks of eye strain.

User names are fine, I just want to be able to read the threads which at this moment I can do! Please don't go back to that awful teeny print.

I thought "oh no, not again" when I saw the latest change. I find the font spindly again, and harder to read than before. It had been fine for a few weeks until today.

I really struggled with the last change. This already feels so much better, thanks!

Although I do agree with those posters who are saying the different sizes for names is annoying.

I prefer the font, did the test site survey and said the same. As already suggested by others now I read this thread I think poster names would look better a bit bigger.

Watched threads and Threads I'm On are teeny tiny and much darker

The contrast when going into either is making my eyes go all funny.

I like the new font! The threads I'm on is mad - I have read the posts saying that is hopefully just a temporary glitch. I find the font in the type box annoying because it is different. And yes, usernames need to be bigger. They are comparatively much much too tiny at the moment.

Also, as OurBlanche says, turning down the contrast would be lovely! It hurts a bit at the moment although I should probably spend less time on here

Overall though I much prefer this to the last update! Thank you MNHQ.