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?
— Twitter Design (@TwitterDesign) August 11, 2021
Today, we released a few changes to the way Twitter looks on the web and on your phone. While it might feel weird at first, these updates make us more accessible, unique, and focused on you and what you’re talking about.
Let’s take a deeper look. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/vCUomsgCNA
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 adjustment period or do I need to go to the optometrist
— Fiza Pirani (@fizapirani) August 13, 2021
The new @Twitter font is giving me a headache. I have astigmatism levels of Everest proportions and get ocular migraines. Please change it back so I can misery scroll without eye pain.
— 🪐Ailís (@AuroraBorealice) August 12, 2021
the new twitter font has cured my addiction to this bird app because i actually can't scroll without getting a headache now
— ali de haan (@lunetsdaya) August 11, 2021
I like how twitter managed to give me a headache with the update but they didnt even make an "edit" button
— VehYah💥 (@VeMaRiCasero) August 12, 2021
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 & headaches/migraines.
— Claire Carruthers (@Nynaeve2k) August 13, 2021
After the whole #RavelryAccessibility debacle, we build an #InclusiveYarnCommunity here & now that’s no longer accessible!
wow the new twitter font is really dyslexic unfriendly i am struggling
— lemon and rolanberry 🍋🍓 (@merlwyb) August 12, 2021
what i this new twitter type fount.
— د (@Dalabdulhadi_) August 14, 2021
they really forgot about their dyslexic users 🙃
@Twitter your app constantly changing my custom font size back to "standard" is discrimination against the visually impaired. I shouldn't have to change it back every time I use your service.
— 🌺 Bronwyn 🐺 (@RavenLan77) August 15, 2021
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.
— Anna E. Cook (@annaecook) August 12, 2021
The font seems easier for me to read as a Dyslexic person.
The button changes I would guess are related to contrast issues with the Twitter blue. https://t.co/e97kXJrTJ9
really excited about this new twitter font being more accessible! my dyslexic brother has already seen a huge improvement in his ability to read longer tweet threads, which is awesome 🥰
— neri (네리) - 10vely nuoyi first, person second (@neriwrites) August 11, 2021
This update has been positive for me and my visual impairments. For others it's increased issues like migraines, eye strain, etc. While it's good Twitter is starting to take on accessibility issues, it highlights problems companies can face when it's not a priority from the start https://t.co/csuemclY71
— Crystal Preston-Watson (@ScopicEngineer) August 12, 2021
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 uncomfortable for people with sensory sensitivities. We're listening and iterating.
— Twitter Accessibility (@TwitterA11y) August 13, 2021
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 patience and please let us know if you have additional feedback.
— Twitter Accessibility (@TwitterA11y) August 14, 2021
However, people are still not satisfied with the new font and want to see it removed completely.
The Chirp font needs to be removed, it's not readable on most devices and even if you think it's readable the people with vision issues don't. I am one of those people. Fortunately I can change it on my desktop using developer tools I cannot change it on my phone.
— Kristine Schachinger (@schachin) August 14, 2021
The font is tiny and thin abs indistinct and you made letters look less like letters why crop the J curve it is SO STUPID! And the antique g why? IlIlIlIlIl
— MONDIA (@Mondiablue) August 14, 2021
Is one of the issues that it's one of the most awkwardly proportioned sans-serif fonts I've ever seen somebody have the audacity to use for body text? Because it is. Nothing like tall narrow letters with uncomfortable tracking and kerning to drive a person literally crazy. pic.twitter.com/nCJVI3823x
— Emo「何ザファック」Saru (@EmoSaru) August 16, 2021
It’s still painful. I want an anti-aliased font, not a “clean edged” font that belongs on printed paper. I’m sick of print typographer purists imposing their aesthetic sense on digital products. Not a single person on this font has experience in digital typography/ why
— Cullen (@cullend) August 15, 2021
please give us the option to change back to the old font on the mobile app because many people with vision problems such as astigmatism ect are unable to participate now :( focusing on the font is not possible and results in migraines and eye strains
— nina (@sIipkyes) August 14, 2021
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.
