[thelist] dynamic font size

Jeff Howden jeff at jeffhowden.com
Wed Jul 13 22:12:48 CDT 2005


Shawn,

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> From: Shawn K. Quinn
>
> > There may be reasons (we love clients don't we?)
> > though :)
>
> Extra controls duplicating existing browser
> functionality often serve little good except to confuse
> the user. Especially when the extra controls don't work
> due to disabled Javascript.
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You can't confuse a user that doesn't know these controls exist in their
browser.

Further, any competent developer would make sure that the font-size or
stylesheet switcher was not displayed for users with JavaScript disabled.

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> > [...] This generally leads real pain in the arse if
> > you use font-sizes below the default "normal" size
>
> Which you shouldn't be doing to begin with.
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"Shouldn't be doing" works well in a vacuum.  However, many a client and/or
designer that the client trusts  demand a presentation that requires a
particular font-size, relative or otherwise.  Those of us who have
encountered these situations and care about the end-user will opt for
relative sized fonts where the default settings will get the project
approved by the client and/or the designer while retaining the flexibility
for users who understand the capabilities of their browser of choice.

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> > and most of the time we -as designers- do use 'cuz the
> > default size is, imho, too big to be pleasent to our
> > eyes.
>
> Then make the default size smaller in your browser.
> Problem solved.
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Again, in a vacuum the problem is solved.  However, applying changes to the
designers system that most users will not apply to their own won't result in
an outcome a client and/or designer will approve.  Further, asking them to
change the default size on their browser will only strengthen their point
that the default should be scaled down.

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> > i. either may not have the knowlegde that their
> >    browser has a adjust font size or page zoom
> >    property.
>
> Then they need to learn this.
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Most users are scared to death of making changes to their computer for fear
it will render it completely unusable and irrepairable.  Further, suggesting
the end-users need to learn this is like handing a rifle to a hunter without
telling him he's to hunt for boozlephant, despire whether he knows what a
boozlephant is or whether it actually exists.  In other words, it's
impossible to look for something you don't know exists.

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> > ii. Or the default sizes provided will be "way too
> >     large" according to them and will think that the
> >     site is not aestetically pleasing to their eyes.
>
> Again, they need to learn they have the power to change
> this.
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Agreed, but see above.

 [>] Jeff Howden
     jeff at jeffhowden.com
     http://jeffhowden.com/



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