The Conversation (0)
Science & Tech
Sinead Butler
Aug 17, 2021
After introducing a new design just one week ago, Twitter is already having to make changes due to complaints of headaches and discomfort from users.
The brand-new update included the introduction of high-contrast colours to buttons and a custom-designed font, appropriately called Chirp.
On August 11, the update was introduced and the official Twitter account warned users that it “might feel weird at first” but would make the platform “more accessible, unique” and also clean up a lot of the “visual clutter.”
Notice anything different? Today, we released a few changes to the way Twitter looks on the web and on your phone… https://t.co/FpDFtfy3X7— Twitter Design (@Twitter Design) 1628701924
However, the feedback wasn’t exactly glowing from people who had difficulties reading on the app and complained that they were experiencing headaches and discomfort as a direct result of the new update.
is the new Twitter font harder to read for anyone else? Like I’m getting a bit of a headache lol is this just an ad… https://t.co/HibqvfpwYP— Fiza Pirani (@Fiza Pirani) 1628819623
This appeared to particularly be the case for those with visual and/or processing impairments.
Please revert the font and make the new one an opt-in @Twitter @TwitterUK - it’s triggering eye strain, nausea & he… https://t.co/ByyUrcxI7W— Claire Carruthers (@Claire Carruthers) 1628848438
wow the new twitter font is really dyslexic unfriendly i am struggling— EXCITATRON 6000 ⚠ ew spoilers ⚠ (@EXCITATRON 6000 ⚠ ew spoilers ⚠) 1628749084
what i this new twitter type fount. they really forgot about their dyslexic users 🙃— د (@د) 1628908417
@Twitter your app constantly changing my custom font size back to "standard" is discrimination against the visually… https://t.co/8KiQkk4fYL— 🌺 Bronwyn 🐺 (@🌺 Bronwyn 🐺) 1629060504
Though there were a few people that disagreed and felt that the new update made it easier to read the font.
Before you hate on the new Twitter design, consider how these are meant to improve accessibility/usability. The fo… https://t.co/Rz0YiK6Jju— Anna Cook (@Anna Cook) 1628776120
really excited about this new twitter font being more accessible! my dyslexic brother has already seen a huge impro… https://t.co/8HnGTSFphU— neri (네리) - 10vely nuoyi first, person second (@neri (네리) - 10vely nuoyi first, person second) 1628710994
This update has been positive for me and my visual impairments. For others it's increased issues like migraines, ey… https://t.co/Zt9YunJ4Pr— Crystal Preston-Watson (@Crystal Preston-Watson) 1628779650
In response, Twitter has taken the criticism on board and is making contrast changes on all buttons to make them “easier on the eyes” and added that they are “listening and iterating.”
We're making contrast changes on all buttons to make them easier on the eyes because you told us the new look is un… https://t.co/uy08G5EBCi— Twitter Accessibility (@Twitter Accessibility) 1628881977
The next day, they also gave an update on the Chirp font for Windows users after identifying issues.
They added: “ Thanks for your patience and please let us know if you have additional feedback.”
We've identified issues with the Chirp font for Windows users and are actively working on a fix. Thanks for your pa… https://t.co/FAPyXwpfEQ— Twitter Accessibility (@Twitter Accessibility) 1628901980
However, people are still not satisfied with the new font and want to see it removed completely.
@TwitterA11y The font is tiny and thin abs indistinct and you made letters look less like letters why crop the J c… https://t.co/tBpWEKXVkq— MONDIABLUE RAAAAAAAWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRERRRRRRR (@MONDIABLUE RAAAAAAAWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRERRRRRRR) 1628929459
@TwitterA11y Is one of the issues that it's one of the most awkwardly proportioned sans-serif fonts I've ever seen… https://t.co/bfu9sirwtH— Emo「何ザファック」Saru (@Emo「何ザファック」Saru) 1629093096
@TwitterA11y It’s still painful. I want an anti-aliased font, not a “clean edged” font that belongs on printed pape… https://t.co/gacdYmWnpV— Cullen (@Cullen) 1629054571
@TwitterA11y please give us the option to change back to the old font on the mobile app because many people with vi… https://t.co/8JxeQZ4THl— nina (@nina) 1628960208
It’s not the first time Twitter has received a negative reaction for an update on the app. Earlier this month, the social media company axed its Fleets feature from the app, just eight months after first launching it.
When it comes to redesigning the app, Twitter users are typically sceptical and hostile as shown in 2014, and again in 2017, when there were new updates.