Last week, Things 3, my task manager of choice, added the feature of adjustable text sizes in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS.
According to the developer, Cultured Code, adjustable text size was one of their most requested features. This update allows users to scale the text size that works best for them.
How to Adjust Text Size in Things 3
iOS & iPadOS
Text in Things now automatically follows the system-wide Dynamic Type setting. This is managed in System Settings → Display & Brightness → Text Size. While Dynamic Type is a system setting, unfortunately, many apps do not respond to the setting. Things now does so.
The developers have also added an option to override the system setting. To choose a custom size, go to Things → Settings → Appearance.
macOS
“The Mac doesn’t have a system-wide Dynamic Type setting, so you’ll need to set a size just for Things. In the menu bar at the top of your screen, go to Things → Settings → General, and drag the slider to find a size that’s right for you.” Things Big and Small.
While it’s true the Mac doesn’t include a Dynamic Type setting, it is possible to change the size of the type, but this affects not just the type size but all elements of the display.
To enable this feature, go to Settings → Display → Scaled Resolution, and select your desired resolution. As you can see in the image, I’ve selected a resolution with larger text and images than the default.
The problem with this setting is that it’s difficult to balance text size and the other elements in the display. The larger the text size you choose, the less screen real estate you get. So often, to have a decent-sized screen to work on, the text size is still too small.
Many (If Not Most) Apps Do Not Provide for Adjustable Type Sizes.
In my experience, many developers do not provide adjustable type sizes in an app. Often, the app does not follow the Dynamic Text settings in iOS and iPadOS.
I consider this to be a subtle form of senior discrimination.
Many developers assume that older people don’t use apps and computers, so there’s no reason to provide adjustable text size.
This is an incorrect assumption. A 2018 AARP study found Over 90% of adults over 50 own a computer or laptop, 70% have a smartphone, and over 40% own a tablet.
And yet, developers seem to assume that their audience is almost exclusively young adults in their 20s or 30s with excellent eyesight.
The reality is that most people’s eyesight degrades as they age and that even those in their 20s or 30s will likely suffer from declining vision someday.
Many people are born with poor eyesight or develop it reasonably young. I began wearing glasses in 7th grade and likely needed them when I was younger.
The accessibility features built into Apple devices are great but are not the best for those with less severe eyesight limitations. I don’t want or need to have everything read to me, and the zoom controls are awkward and intrusive.
The ability to adjust the type size is a feature required by many people with declining eyesight.
Text Size Adjustment Should be a Standard Feature in All Apps
Why not allow users to adjust the text size to their comfort level?
It can be frustrating to attempt to use an app that does not provide text size adjustment.
I’m an avid user of the Craft app, but the lack of text size adjustment is a constant aggravation. It makes the app almost impossible for me to use on smaller devices. Please Craft, if you’re listening, provide adjustable text sizes!
By not providing adjustable text size, app developers unintentionally limit the number of potential users (and sales!). I have considered buying an app, but when I discovered the type was too small for comfortable reading, I moved on to other options.
Thank You to Cultured Code for Providing Adjustable Text Size
Kudos to Cultured Code for listening to the requests of its users and implementing comprehensive text size adjustments.
Other app developers need to follow their lead and eliminate this form of elder discrimination.