Is it appropriate to change web pages into greyscale?

[py_megapixel]

Looks like ‘our’ logo has been converted. But it has somewhat broken the logo on mobile!

Yes, I was going to point that out. Seems like my browser has cached the coloured version though so only threads I opened for the first time since the change are showing that version.

I must say, the IET's warning panel looks awful when it's not yellow . Overall though I'd say it's in good taste and a reasonable response, especially compared to what the likes of the BBC are doing.

 

[Peter C]

Looks like ‘our’ logo has been converted. But it has somewhat broken the logo on mobile!

I've just got it to show up on my laptop and I'm in agreement with @py_megapixel in that it's respectful and not over-the-top.

-Peter

 

[OuterDistant]

This RailUK Forums logo looks as though it was put in by an Indian.

...too soon?

 

[nedchester]

This RailUK Forums logo looks as though it was put in by an Indian.

...too soon?

 

[35B]

In short: no.

AFAIAA, only public sector bodies have a legal requirement to have accessible websites - so TOCs wouldn't be in violation of the law if their site wasn't accessible. But even if they were a public-sector body, changing the colour scheme on a temporary basis wouldn't run them foul of the law since all the other accessibility features (e.g. site maps, image captions, caret browsing) would still work. A website that claims to be accessible by virtue of its colour scheme is not accessible!

I believe the Equalities Act puts obligations on private websites too.

 

[najaB]

I believe the Equalities Act puts obligations on private websites too.

It gets complicated. Public bodies have to have accessible websites that comply with a set of rules (BS8878 I think), but private bodies only need to make "reasonable accommodations".

 

[CarrotPie]

Yes, I was going to point that out. Seems like my browser has cached the coloured version though so only threads I opened for the first time since the change are showing that version.

I must say, the IET's warning panel looks awful when it's not yellow . Overall though I'd say it's in good taste and a reasonable response, especially compared to what the likes of the BBC are doing.

At least they haven't done the whole forum list in greyscale! Now that would be OTT.

 

[jopsuk]

it would be interesting if the forum logo greyscale thing was a choice... how many would switch it back to colour (I would)? There is of course the no-logo "worksafe" option, and the bus option is still in colour!

 

[BRX]

I've just got it to show up on my laptop and I'm in agreement with @py_megapixel in that it's respectful and not over-the-top.

-Peter

It's a bit silly really.

 

[Peter C]

It's a bit silly really.

I get where you're coming from. In comparison to some other sites (and even TV channels), it's not bad, but I must admit that I'm struggling to see a link between these forums and the Duke of Edinburgh.

-Peter

 

[BRX]

I get where you're coming from. In comparison to some other sites (and even TV channels), it's not bad, but I must admit that I'm struggling to see a link between these forums and the Duke of Edinburgh.

-Peter

Perhaps these forums are a hotbed of traditionalist monarchists - who knows!

 

[Non Multi]

Perhaps these forums are a hotbed of traditionalist monarchists - who knows!

Is 'traditionalist monarchists' code for slam door LHCS fetishists?

 

[yorksrob]

Well, it's a fair point that HRH The Duke of Edinburgh did embody the era of slam door trains.

And since slam door trains are preferable to modern tat, it is an important end of an era.

 

[[.n]]

It gets complicated. Public bodies have to have accessible websites that comply with a set of rules (BS8878 I think), but private bodies only need to make "reasonable accommodations".

The full name of the accessibility regulations is the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018.

All public sector bodies have to meet the 2018 requirements, unless they are exempt.

Public sector bodies include:

• central government and local government organisations
• some charities and other non-government organisations

quotes taken from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/accessi...websites-and-apps#understanding-accessibility

 

[Ediswan]

There is official guidance https://www.gov.uk/government/publi.../guidance-for-the-period-of-national-mourning

7. Websites and Social Media​

Online communication channels may also choose to reflect the death of The Duke of Edinburgh and participate in the period of national mourning. Organisations, such as those of which His Royal Highness was patron, could modify the homepage of their site to feature a visual indication of mourning, for example the use of black edging or black banners.

 

[nedchester]

All this 'going grey' is just virtue signalling. Pointless cap doffing and forelock tugging.

Just a case of following the sheep........

Same with unrelated organisations passing on their condolences as if they really care.

 

[High Dyke]

Apart from selected areas of the page, I'm still seeing black text on white background, coloured icons etc. Personally I don't mind what the surround is, providing I can obtain the information I require.

 

[jopsuk]

how long will the forum remain in mourning mode?

 

[Starmill]

Apart from selected areas of the page, I'm still seeing black text on white background, coloured icons etc. Personally I don't mind what the surround is, providing I can obtain the information I require.

That's a great deal easier to read than what mine had been showing yesterday.

how long will the forum remain in mourning mode?

I don't know but it has been suggested in the media that the period of 'national mourning' would be until the end of the day of the Duke's funeral.

 

[Ediswan]

how long will the forum remain in mourning mode?

April 17th would match the official 8 day period, linked above.

 

[nedchester]

April 17th would match the official 8 day period, linked above.

Obviously the Queen will pass a message back to the moderators of Railforums to say thanks for the grayscale.........or perhaps not!

 

[ABB125]

The forum appears to have returned to colour!

 

[ainsworth74]

Obviously the Queen will pass a message back to the moderators of Railforums to say thanks for the grayscale.........or perhaps not!

The Forum Staff are, as always, Her Majesty's most loyal subjects in all matters

 

[nedchester]

The Forum Staff are, as always, Her Majesty's most loyal subjects in all matters

Ha! Ha!

 

[py_megapixel]

Can anyone spot the problem here?




(Image shows a colour-coded map of ticket validity on Northern's website, made useless by the fact that a greyscale filter has been applied to the entire website)

 

[Mike395]

One of many reasons that greyscaling an entire site without putting thought into usability is a terrible idea.

Must say, of all of the TOC site colour changes to mark the news, I quite like the GWR homepage colour scheme with the darker greens, think it looks quite smart!

 

[najaB]

One of many reasons that greyscaling an entire site without putting thought into usability is a terrible idea.

As I noted above, it's lazy. Literally the least that they could have done.

 

[ABB125]

Must say, of all of the TOC site colour changes to mark the news, I quite like the GWR homepage colour scheme with the darker greens, think it looks quite smart!

I actually really like that new GWR colour scheme. Can they make it permanent?

 

[Peter C]

Must say, of all of the TOC site colour changes to mark the news, I quite like the GWR homepage colour scheme with the darker greens, think it looks quite smart!

I actually really like that new GWR colour scheme. Can they make it permanent?

That makes three of us that prefer the GWR one. It's not over-the-top and still gets a message across.

-Peter

 

[edwin_m]

Can anyone spot the problem here?


View attachment 94210

(Image shows a colour-coded map of ticket validity on Northern's website, made useless by the fact that a greyscale filter has been applied to the entire website)

Reminds me of the classic snooker commentator gaffe "For those of you watching in black and white, it's just behind the blue".