[thelist] dynamic font size

[Shawn K. Quinn]

On Wed, 2005-07-13 at 20:12 -0700, Jeff Howden wrote:
> Shawn,
> 
> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> > 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.
> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> 
> You can't confuse a user that doesn't know these controls exist in their
> browser.

You sure can. "Why do I have a print option in this menu if the site has
one of its own? Does it mean I'm not supposed to be able to print other
sites?"

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

Some developers still think Javascript is always there. They're idiots
for it, of course, but the chance of a user winding up with buttons that
appear to duplicate functionality already present in the browser but
which in reality do nothing is very real.

> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> > > [...] 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.
> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> 
> "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.  

They need to be taught that's not how the Web works. You can *suggest*
presentation, but never force it. (Am I ever grateful for minimum font
size options and client-side style sheets, though they shouldn't even be
necessary.)

> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> > > 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.
> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> 
> 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.

Right, it should be scaled down *in the user's browser* if it's too big
for them.

> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> > > 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.
> ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> 
> 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.

I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a user to know how their
software works. Back in the 1980's, people figured out how to put gas in
their cars, right (well, in 48 out of 50 states and most places outside
the US, at least)? Edit/Preferences/General/Fonts & Colors isn't any
harder to find than the gas cap.

Now, you go in as root and start rm'ing various files at random, of
course you're going to break the hell out of the system. Same with
opening the case and start fondling every chip with callous disregard
for the effects of electrostatic discharge. Of course things will break.
But changing the font-size is nothing that can't be undone.

-- 
Shawn K. Quinn <skquinn at speakeasy.net>