How to resize text in a web browser?
by Rob Mason ~ September 21st, 2007 Filed under: Random, Tools, Useful stuff.
To me this is an basic question to answer, however a recent debate seems to indicate that not everyone knows how to do this…seems like many of use are taking this function for granted.
Resizing text is always a useful feature especially if you have sight difficulties, however the argument going round is that rather than stick a snazzy text-resize widget on your web page, what you should really be doing is educating your users. Definitely the correct approach, but potentially a bit medium to long term: people traditionally stick with what they know and are comfortable with, particularly where technology is concerned.
However, teaching people to do it properly is the definitely the best way to get results. It increases and individual’s knowledge and also encourages them to explore the settings on their machine a bit more, perhaps even opening their eyes to functions they never knew existed.
Ian Lloyd’s excellent video sets out to explain this often overlooked function of web browsers in a clear and concise fashion. Anyone with friends or relatives who have a sight problem should direct them to this video. If you want a more detailed explanation and support, the best place is the BBC’s My Web My Way site. For the more web-savvy the RNIB’s Web Access Centre is a great resource.