Lola Nocheprieta
MyPTSD Pro
I use the forum both from my personal cell phone, and my desktops at work (shhhh!) and home. I like both equally, but often find it easier to navigate and type on the desktop version, although I probably use the mobile version more frequently. I know this is a "benevolent dictatorship" and not a democracy, but I believe the original post did say that feedback was welcome, so I thought I'd offer my two cents. I thank you in advance for taking my feedback seriously, and in the spirit of which it is intended, which is continuous improvement of the end user's experience.
I'm all for mobile efficiency. However, I am also a very visual person and find the new "all gray, all the time" look quite off-putting and difficult to navigate.
Most of the mobile blogs I visit have avatars, and that is a very, very nice touch. They are more than just "cutesy," they allow a small degree of personalization that is important in an otherwise homogenized mobile environment. Additionally, the instantly recognizable and customizable avatars allow for a visual landmark in an otherwise drab landscape devoid even of color and contrast. I work with people with disabilities, and contrary to some web gurus' beliefs, an all-text interface is NOT easier to navigate for people with disabilities, and I would venture to guess that this forum has more disabled users than most! Finally, the Male, Female, Question Mark options are really out of step with the growing non-binary, trans community, of which there are many of us that use this forum.
I read the post, and my understanding was that getting rid of avatars was just one change of many designed to improve mobile efficiency. I think the lack of avatars is a sacrifice that goes too far; it really takes away from the end user's experience. I strongly echo the sentiment that we return to custom avatars, if not for all members, than at least for premium members. I agree with others who said adding this perk will likely SIGNIFICANTLY increase the number of paying members.
I'm all for mobile efficiency. However, I am also a very visual person and find the new "all gray, all the time" look quite off-putting and difficult to navigate.
Most of the mobile blogs I visit have avatars, and that is a very, very nice touch. They are more than just "cutesy," they allow a small degree of personalization that is important in an otherwise homogenized mobile environment. Additionally, the instantly recognizable and customizable avatars allow for a visual landmark in an otherwise drab landscape devoid even of color and contrast. I work with people with disabilities, and contrary to some web gurus' beliefs, an all-text interface is NOT easier to navigate for people with disabilities, and I would venture to guess that this forum has more disabled users than most! Finally, the Male, Female, Question Mark options are really out of step with the growing non-binary, trans community, of which there are many of us that use this forum.
I read the post, and my understanding was that getting rid of avatars was just one change of many designed to improve mobile efficiency. I think the lack of avatars is a sacrifice that goes too far; it really takes away from the end user's experience. I strongly echo the sentiment that we return to custom avatars, if not for all members, than at least for premium members. I agree with others who said adding this perk will likely SIGNIFICANTLY increase the number of paying members.