Twitter has rearranged the contrast of its buttons in response to user feedback from earlier this week. Due to the increased visual contrast between the colors of buttons, links and the new font, Chirp, some people have experienced eye strain, headaches and migraines.Because you said that the new design was too distracting for people with sensory sensitivities, we are making contrast adjustments to all buttons. We are listening and we will continue to iterate. Twitter Accessibility (@TwitterA11y), August 13, 2021Many people are confused by the black follow button. It was added to contrast in order to indicate that you're not following someone. It is not yet clear if this change will be reversed.Twitter's redesign received mixed reactions, as is the case with any popular site. Some Twitter users may have gotten used to it over time. However, those who feel the new design has caused pain have highlighted a common issue in online accessibility: the lack of choice.Accessibility does not have to be universal. A feature that makes a site easier for one person may make it more difficult for another. People with low vision or colorblind may find high contrast useful, but it can cause discomfort for those who are sensitive or sensitive to bright colors.This is a great example showing how access needs can be centered in "accessible" processes.For many people with chronic pain and photosensitivity, high contrast is not an option. https://t.co/c1AQNkMvC0 Alex Haagaard (they/them) (@alexhaagaard) August 11, 2021Twitter's interface is not accessible in a single way. Flexibility is key to accessibility. Users can choose the options that are most convenient for them. Twitter currently offers toggles that allow users to adjust settings such as increased color contrast or reduced motion. It also has display settings that allow people to choose between light and darker themes and scale text sizes.Users could save many headaches by having more control over the contrast they want and not waiting for Twitter to make all changes. Twitter did not immediately respond to a request to comment. However, its @TwitterA11y account is soliciting feedback on the changes.
