Posted By John Malone
I have encountered similar issues with software not allowing for character size adjustment.(as in thread "DSE screen magnification" a week ago)

The HSE guidelines make reference to BS/EN 29241.
The BS/EN has a graph relating character size to viewing distance. My interpretation of this is that if viewing at 400mm distance then chars. should be at least 1.9mm high, at 500mm, must be min. 2.3mm and at 600mm, must be min 2.8mm.

Have others referred to this BS/EN, and would you agree with my interpretation?
Would anyone have any opinions on viewing distance? The BS refers to viewing at 400mm from eyes to screen, but is it realistic to expect people to view so close?

If the users do not find it comfortable to view any closer than 500mm., does this mean characters have to be 2.3mm high as a minimum.
Does anyone know whether there could be real damage to eyesight if characters are say 10% less than the size per BS/EN?

Incidentally - are the IOSH software designers also in breach of regulations?? As I type this, the character size is only 2.0mm, and I cannot adjust it!!!

Posted By Peter Leese
Joking apart, when this site opened in its new format I remember a number of contributors complaining about the font size. I don't recall what the response was though.

Posted By John Malone
Peter,
Thanks, your solution of reducing screen resolution (thus increasing font size) is correct and no doubt would solve the problem for many.

However, in the situation I am reviewing there are 2 reasons why this wont work-
1) the IT people have locked all "Properties" changes, users cannot change resolution
2) the software application has a fixed size window with no scroll bar; therefore if you reduce the resolution, the characters get larger, but some of the text and control buttons disappear off the screen

Any more ideas?
John

Posted By Peter Leese
At the risk of hoots of laughter - bigger screen sizes?

I've had this problem especially with LAs and apart from suggesting larger screens in the worse cases I've not yet found a satisfactory solution. I suppose one is to go back to the designer but the cost implications are enormous and I haven't yet met a middle manager who was prepared to take it up.

My understanding it that eye strain could be caused and defects be more noticeable but not a direct cause of eye damage.

Posted By TBC
You're right it wouldn't work for them!
Are any wearing prescription specs John?

Posted By TBC
Difficult call John - some might suffer. Everybody being of different make-up etc. I would think the sooner the IT make the change, the better - but I'm no expert.

Posted By Richard Green
The generally accepted sense of the regulations is that the user should be able to adjust font size to their comfort level, not what some computer company/IT department say they should be comfortable with.