Wikipedia:WikiProject Usability/Readability guidelines: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 07:21, 27 February 2012

Revision as of 08:39, 15 September 2012

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# The first usability issues to consider is [[readability]]. An extensive number of usability studies were made about the impact of text size on readability. It was clearly stated that small text makes it way harder to read, for example by reducing reading speed: if a text with comfortable size would be read by average users in 15 seconds, the same small size text would be read in 27 seconds. The default font size on Wikipedia is already too small (9 points instead of 12 points), so we don't want to make it even smaller.

# The second and third issues are both usability and accessibility issues. First, users with low vision that have severe low vision (but are still able to read really large fonts) use dedicated software to enlarge or reduce the text size. So they will be able to read it. But when the normal text size changes to a very small text size, they may have to adjust their zoom level only for this particular text, and readjust it afterwards. It's suboptimal, but not detrimental.

# The biggest usability issue is for elders (and possibly anyone older than 40), normal users with small low vision and normal users with a particular resolution, device, and such. TruthA is,significant mostpart of these users doesn't know how to zoom with their browser. Yes,They theymight don'tnot know how to use "Ctrl +/-" even exist, or they forget it. So when they encounter such small text they have trouble to read, their only option is to come very close to the screen and strain their eyes as much as they can. Until they succeed or give up because of too much strain.

It would be way easier for everyone to not have to think about such issues, and simply don't ever reduce the font size. It also removes unnecessary code.