Re: [IxDA] Font sizers

On Mon, Aug 16, 2010 at 2:15 AM, Dimiter Simov wrote:

> As for the larger/smaller font size icons, and I am quoting from memory, in > our usability tests, I have observed people using websites where such > controls were available, and I do not remember anyone ever using the tool to > change the font size. Note, however, that observing the behavior of changing > font size has not been a goal of our tests.

Exactly, you have to set out to test a feature like this. It's surprising no one has (apparently) done just that.

> We all need a good nice text zooming control. A slider seems like a good > idea. I think it is better than a descrete small/capital letter toggle > because it gives several zooming levels and gives users the feeling of being > able to fine-tune to size.

Sliders have their own usability issues, but such implementation details are easy enough to A/B test.

> I believe the best approach is to have the control built in the browser. For > example, CTRL+Roll to zoom the page and CTRL+SHIFT+Roll to zoom the text.

Personally, I think so too, but that ignores the whole point: most users who need it are unaware of this browser feature.

-- Hassan Schroeder ------------------------ hassan.schroeder@gmail.com twitter: @hassan