PSA to website designers: White text on Dark Background = BAD FOR THE EYES

[Zenmervolt]

Actually, studies have shown that white text on a black background is easier for the eyes to see and over long periods actually reduces eyestrain.

ZV

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Actually, studies have shown that white text on a black background is easier for the eyes to see and over long periods actually reduces eyestrain.

ZV

Was that done with CRT or LCDs? Using my computer for long periods of time used to bother my eyes when I had a CRT, but I've never experienced eye strain with an LCD. But I'm more tolerant than some people I think... a CRT @ 60 hz bugs the hell out of some people, but doesn't bother me at all.

 

[dighn]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Actually, studies have shown that white text on a black background is easier for the eyes to see and over long periods actually reduces eyestrain.

ZV

That's weird because I feel eyestrain within seconds when viewing such color scheme, while I can read black-on-white all day.

 

[Mrvile]

Going back and forth between websites/forums with light backgrounds or dark backgrounds takes some time to get used to. However, once I adjust I have no problems with either.

 

[novasatori]

green on black ftw

 

[Joemonkey]

Originally posted by: binister
All my programming is done with gray text on a black background. Never bothered me.

Now the green/red wires in CAT5 cables, those bother me as I can't tell the difference because I am color blind. Oh and when maps/health bars in games use red and green to denote things, yeah can't see a damn thing.

I'm red/green colorblind too, but even I know there are no red wires in CAT5 cables... I do get the orange/green mixed up on some brands of cables though

Oh, and I prefer dark backgrounds with light text

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: mugs
I use white text on a black background whenever I telnet, so I guess it doesn't really bother me.

Agreed

 

[Joemonkey]

Yay the poll is proving the OP's opinion to be in the minority! I love when threads do that

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: dman
I MUCH prefer it. In fact, I'm still upset that these forums took away the option for the dark background / light font option.

QFMFT :|

 

[Anubis]

Originally posted by: dman
I MUCH prefer it. In fact, I'm still upset that these forums took away the option for the dark background / light font option.

i know ive posted about about 100 times in the suggestion forums, sigh

 

[MrPickins]

Originally posted by: UILanMan

Originally posted by: dman
I MUCH prefer it. In fact, I'm still upset that these forums took away the option for the dark background / light font option.

Absolutely, went looking myself to change it and saw no option, was pretty frustrated. Bright backgrounds with small black text tends to hurt my eyes after a while, couldn't believe there wasn't even a choice.

I wonder if the same effect can be done with a firefox plugin.

Hmmm...

 

[Boztech]

Originally posted by: akshatp
How are people that create sites STILL NOT AWARE of this?

Everytime I read a page on a site that has bright text on a dark background, I am always seeing flashes for 15 minutes after I close it...

The epsiode recaps for House MD on Fox.com used to be like this. Thank god they changed it.

Is it just me, or does this bother other people too???

I disagree, particularly with an LCD monitor, anything with a solid white or light grey background is like staring at a light bulb.

I guess you should issue a PSA to the developer of most terminals and consoles as well, since they are predominantly white on black.