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Wikipedia is getting a new look

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41–50 of 529 posts

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#41
post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I use it very often, just because i check articles in multiple languages.

Languages - yes, all the other links - almost never.

Given the image on the blog post, I thought it didn't include the languages, but looking into the wiki page about the change, it does include the language bar as well.

Damn. I use that all the time. Wikipedia is one of my favourite dictionaries.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#42
You can add custom CSS in Preferences → Appearance. I've set mine up to look something like the mobile version for a while now. I'm always a little shocked seeing the original when logged out or on someone else's computer.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#44
post #37
post #4

They could just make the mobile wiki the desktop default too. It is minimal, readable, and clean.

I hope not. I find the mobile wikipedia page awful. I always switch to the desktop site on my phone. Sections that start out collapsed is terrible for searching. Section headings that themselves are enormous is terrible for browsing. Even the text size is enormous by default - you don't get much of an overview.

The text size is totally normal on my phone. Good readable size that's similar to other text-focused pages. It might just be that their CSS needs to be a little more clever about screen sizes.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#45
post #8

> Our first change, a collapsible sidebar, allows users to collapse the lengthy menu found on the left side of each page. This change helps improve usability and focus by allowing people to concentrate on the content itself, whether reading or editing. Ah, more designers trying to justify things. Every site now has a hidden menu/hamburger nonsense, with the goal of "clean" design. It's terrible and hurts UX and disco…

It's collapsable, implying you don't have to collapse it if you don't want.

The eye strain thing was referring to the maximum line width feature. Studies have shown that longer-width lines are harder to read than shorter-width lines.

But sure, you could just imagine that they're doing these changes because they need to justify their jobs.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#46
post #10

> the wide range of functionality on the site can feel overwhelming and difficult to understand I guess it must just be my lengthy history with the web, but this line is like nails on a blackboard to me. It's OK to have to learn how to use powerful tools!

I feel the same way. I wish interface designers would focus on ways to get people comfortable with experimentation instead of removing features entirely.

In this case, no feature is being removed--just hidden in a collapsible sidebar, but I agree with your overall point.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#47
post #6

I don't know why they did that, now we have empty space on the left and right, it's really useless, why is it better than using the full screen? "Our second change introduces a maximum line width to our content on pages where reading is the focus, such as article pages and discussion pages. Research has shown that limiting the width can lead to better retention of the content itself, as well as a decrease in eye stra…

FWIW, Wikipedia allows you to add custom CSS and JS that are active as soon as you log in.

Who logs in to Wikipedia? I asked search engine about a term, it brings up a link to Wikipedia, I visit page, read content, then leave. I never even knew you could have an account, and assumed only people wanting to editors would even need an account.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#48
post #14
post #6

I don't know why they did that, now we have empty space on the left and right, it's really useless, why is it better than using the full screen? "Our second change introduces a maximum line width to our content on pages where reading is the focus, such as article pages and discussion pages. Research has shown that limiting the width can lead to better retention of the content itself, as well as a decrease in eye stra…

> why is it better than using the full screen? Are you saying you only have one window open at a time?

On a laptop typically I'd only have one window 'open?' maximised at a time. It allows focus. I'm a big fan of Gnome3 for this.

If coding then an additional monitor can help, the additional monitor multi-window to support the main focus.

If writing, then one screen and paper and pencil to sketch thoughts.

If diagramming/flowcharting, switch desk or stand up and use a whiteboard, reduce over multiple pieces of A3, then the finished result should be refined enough to iron edges out to formalise in Dia or Visio. I also prefer pencils over pens, have a box of multiple colour pens, crayons too, bunch of sticky notes not for the screen but supporting paper-based thoughts, masking tape for putting things together. And this is me working by myself.

We all have our use cases and it's rarely one size fits all.

For wikipedia - why not default to whatever's deemed best for most, but have a small toggle button for 'old'.

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#49
post #6

I don't know why they did that, now we have empty space on the left and right, it's really useless, why is it better than using the full screen? "Our second change introduces a maximum line width to our content on pages where reading is the focus, such as article pages and discussion pages. Research has shown that limiting the width can lead to better retention of the content itself, as well as a decrease in eye stra…

[deleted]

Re: Wikipedia is getting a new look

#50
Ok, the concrete changes they mention sound harmless, but..."modern looking website" sounds like code for "webapp-looking thing with every pixel clickable and stuff that moves around on you when you don't want it to". There is a lot more room for screwing things up than improving, for Wikipedia. I am nervous.
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