More Readable Operator Blocks (Enlarged Symbols)

papipupepappa

Although I have no trouble reading the text on Scratch blocks, the arithmetic operators are very difficult for to tell apart, and I have recently learned that many others have the same problem.

Since the recent color contrast update aims to increase accessibility and inclusiveness, I thought I'd suggest that the operator blocks are made more accessible as well

.

I made a project with the following design to start a discussion:

Notes

I used a cross symbol (×) instead of an asterisk (*) for multiplication because I think it is easier to tell apart from the others.

The arithmetic operator symbols could perhaps be made as vector images instead of text.

This is just a rough idea meant as food for thought and to start a discussion. There are probably many aspects that need to be considered, such as how they look when paired with other blocks.

Last edited by papipupepappa (July 10, 2023 07:57:36)

Za-Chary

Looks great! They actually fit the Scratch style pretty well.

Crispydogs101

Support. This is good for more accessibility standards and with the fact that Scratch is more inclusive. And it's easier to read!

hred2010

Would be very useful! Fits scratch's whole visibility update too!

kaboombeng7

It would be easier to read *agrees*

Spentinium

(() ╋ () :: operators)
(() ━ () :: operators)
(() ╳ () :: operators)
(() ╱ () :: operators)

([sqrt v] of (((a) ╳ (a) :: operators) ╋ ((b) ╳ (b) :: operators) :: operators)

I support it primarily because it's easier to read larger pieces of code.

The Unicode characters I used are primarily used to draw boxes and art but it's possible to use these specific ones to mimic large operation symbols.

Moth-Comics

Support, it’s hard for many people to tell the difference currently and this would help a lot of people read it easily.

-RabbitWorld-

Support but I think instead of “X” we should continue using “*”. If the ST uses the “X” maybe they should also use the “÷” instead of “/”

lucascarter132

This isn’t really a bad idea, considering the whole Visibility update going around.

Last edited by lucascarter132 (July 11, 2023 23:51:52)

TeenySpoon

Looks great! I need this.
I can mix the symbols up a lot…

-RabbitWorld- wrote:
Support but I think instead of “X” we should continue using “*”. If the ST uses the “X” maybe they should also use the “÷” instead of “/”

I think I would mix up the + and ÷ symbols (even with larger text) if we used ÷.

cs4852067

It's a pretty good idea to make it larger with this inclusive update on Scratch.

Link2358

I support this. There have been many times when I have put the wrong operators in my code.

cs4912647

Support. My eyes don't seem to have much difficulty seeing apart the operators on normal, but if I'm using zoom out, they do. I agree with replacing the multiplication symbol with the cross and making the subtraction symbol longer. I think the shape of the division symbol should stay albeit become slightly more slanted so as not to be confused with a vertical bar or other vertical line symbol, because if it's the one with a horizontal line and two dots on either side, then it could be confused with an addition symbol.

Gamer_Logan819

Semi-support. I get visual accessibility yeah yeah but it looks kinda ugly, no offense.

Elijah999999

I don't usually have trouble with this, but I see no problem with the suggestion. And something else really small that I'd like to point out is the “÷” symbol might be easier for younger kids to understand. (I didn't get the “/” symbol when I first joined, but now I know what it means.)

Dogs-are-amazing1

Support; it’s easier to read and the X and devision sign is easier to understand; I just got what those meant with the mock-up. It also makes it easier for younger kids who don’t understand what those are

scienceexplorer1

+1

I was questioning about the multiplication enlarged operator block, until I saw @Spentinium's post and now I am cool with it

Scratch137

Gamer_Logan819 wrote:
(#14)
Semi-support. I get visual accessibility yeah yeah but it looks kinda ugly, no offense.

I think the mockup is more of an idea of what it could look like. It doesn't have to look exactly like this.

PaperMarioFan2022

Support! (If it's optional, as some people prefer and like to use those symbols) Making the symbols much bigger will make coding with operators will make Scratch coding simple.

mtaka4

(() + ())

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