Twitter has redesigned its site a few days after it made some changes to make it more accessible. Some users were suffering from headaches and eyestrain due to the design choices.
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Twitter announced Friday that it would be changing the contrast of its buttons in order to make them more accessible to people with sensory sensitivities. Over the past few days, users have complained about the company's new design choices, which include the Chirp font and high contrast buttons and colors, as well as the fewer gray backgrounds and fewer divider lines.
One user with autism told the company that the site was extremely uncomfortable after removing the divider lines.
Twitter user @MxKelsieSkye stated that for autistic people, the site makes it extremely difficult to use. The font looks fine if I look closely but it blurs my vision the more I use the site. I'm sorry, this is a bad beta.
Another user claimed that he couldn't read the Chirp font and was unsure what he would do if his phone changed the design. Others claimed they were suffering from medical conditions that made it impossible to read Twitter without a headache.
My astigmatism is worsened by the new typeface. I have headaches when reading. Twitter user @_psot said that my systems font is designed for my eyesight.
The company asked users earlier in the week to let them know if they experienced headaches, migraines or eye strain because of its new font. Twitter acknowledged at that time that it was having display issues and was working on them.
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Company has stated that it is open to receiving feedback from users about design updates and tracking comments.
We made contrast adjustments to all buttons to make it easier for the eyes, because we received feedback that the new look was too distracting for people with sensory sensitivities. Twitter's Twitter Accessibility account said that Twitter was listening and iterating on Friday.
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Alex Haagaard is a founding member of the Disabled List. He pointed out that Twitter's recent design changes show that accessibility does not have to be one-size fits all. TechCrunch points out that customization is the best way for websites to be accessible. This includes allowing users to adjust the font and contrast to meet their needs.
Haagaard stated that this is an excellent example of how access needs can often get centered over other processes. For many chronically pained and photosensitive people, high contrast is not an option.
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Gizmodo reached to Twitter to get additional comments on Saturday's announcement of design changes, but did not receive any response at the time we published. We will update this blog when we hear back.
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Twitter stated in a statement to TechCrunch that it sought input from disabled people throughout the creation of a new design.
The company stated that people have different needs and preferences. We will continue to monitor feedback and improve the experience. We are aware that we can get more feedback and will continue to work on it.
