Felix Miata wrote:
"You might say "but the text looks too big" if I just leave it like that. Make it smaller then. But *in your browser*."
How would you recommend solving the problem?
Hi,
Font sizing issues are always a heated topic. If we have to get right down to the nitty-gritty of the matter, Felix is absolutely correct--the user's font size should be the default and the designer should not attempt to override that setting. The only way to ensure this happens is to make our font-size: 100%; and let it ride... aesthetics be damned.
On the other hand, and in real world situations, expecting too much from our users always proves unwise. Giving users options and users actually being capable of taking advantage of or understanding those options are separate issues. I'd bet I don't know a single non-techie person, with normal vision, that can tell me if it is possible to, and if it is possible how to, change the default font settings in their browser. Font-size is just not an issue people with normal vision concern themselves with. A 80% (I use 76% on the body and 1.0em on my container) font-size is, generally, more than sufficient for online readability for the majority of users.
Individuals with vision problems will no doubt disagree, however, because of their situation, those users have had to extend their knowledge of browsers and font sizing capabilities to compensate for the popular 12px fixed font sizing prevalent online. In most cases these users have already set a default font-size larger than normal and are aware of quick and simple ways to increase the font-size further when necessary. These users are also more likely to surf with browsers that are more flexible and customizable in the area of personal preferences and accessibility. Ideally, these users should not be required to do these things, but technology, like all other things in life, is rarely ideal.
Because we live in this world and not the "all things to all people world" we would like, I've made the choice to reduce the default font-size of my pages to a setting the *majority* of users will find acceptable; all without requiring anything further from them--capable or not. Out of respect for those users who do not find those settings to be acceptable, I've ensured they have final control of font-sizing. I find this middle ground to be the most appropriate and flexible approach. Since adopting this method, I've not received a single complaint about readability and don't expect to going forward.
Best regards, M. Wilson
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