Netizens Protest The New Twitter Design Because It Hurts The Eyes

Image Credit: Christian Lue/Unsplash

JAKARTA – One week after Twitter rolled out a series of updates to its platform, the company has now decided to re-adjust the contrast on its buttons. This was done by Twitter because users complained about the design update.

Some of the users gave feedback saying they experienced eye strain, headaches, and migraines due to the higher visual contrast in the new buttons, links, and fonts.

It is known, Twitter brought changes including the Follow button which turns black if a user does not follow an account. This change causes confusion for those who are not used to it.

“We made contrast changes to all the buttons to make them easier to see because you're telling us that the new display is uncomfortable for people with sensory sensitivities. We listen and iterate,” said the official Twitter account as quoted from The Verge, Sunday, August 15.

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

However, as is often the case when the microblogging network changes its design, various responses have emerged from its users. The changes highlight a common problem with online accessibility, namely the lack of options provided.

This means that the accessibility provided is not a one-size-fits-all standard. Updates can make a design more comfortable for one person, but not for another.

For those who have low vision or are color blind, high contrast is very useful. But for those who are sensitive to light, these changes can be painful. The solution must be to adapt the design to his vision reference.

Now Twitter has provided these options in the accessibility menu to adjust color contrast enhancement, motion reduction, light or dark display settings, and font size.

This accessibility can reduce eye pain for users who complain, while waiting for Twitter to roll out another change universally.