[jsheard]

This kind of thing should probably be disabled if the user has prefers-reduced-motion set.

https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/@media/pref...

It just needs one extra CSS rule to make the guy invisible when appropriate:

  @media (prefers-reduced-motion) {
    #scrollBuddy {
      visibility: hidden;
    }
  }

[geor9e]

It seems the author has now implemented this. Now people like me just see a pointless page of lorem ipsum. I feel like demos can be exempted from filters like this, especially when you can only get to the demo via a clearly worded link.

The same code that disappeared the thing could add some text explaining that the page is disabled and why, in my case: Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Display > Reduce motion (for other OS's see https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/@media/pref...)

For me, this setting makes macOS snappier, by getting rid of the little animations in OS. If it weren't for this comment, I never would have known it affected websites. I've had the setting for years with no issues.

[rendx]

If you're like me and want to keep the OS setting intact but not have it affect web sites, add the following preference in Firefox: ui.prefersReducedMotion (0 = no, 1 = yes).

[hello12343214]

good to know thanks

[sitkack]

Thank you! I just went and adjusted a bunch of these, "reduced transparency" really reduced the visual load, I didn't realize how many windows were bleeding through for no reason.

[DrammBA]

Every change really does break someone's workflow https://xkcd.com/1172/

Counter-argument against exempting the demo page: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43237672

[geor9e]

At a certain point, one must take responsibility for clicking "a scroll bar buddy that walks down the page when you scroll" and then being faced with exactly what it said.

[Mashimo]

"Dead dove, do not eat" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUKmq7UMJys

[DrammBA]

I agree that preferring reduced motion and then visiting a site whose sole purpose is presenting motion is an interesting choice, but I don't think the CSS Working Group or web developers in general are in any position to question it.

[crabmusket]

> Counter-argument against exempting the demo page

I really don't think that's a counter-argument for exempting the demo. It's an argument against ever implementing this feature on an actual website. Or, an argument for using the prefers-reduced-motion check on an actual website.

[hello12343214]

I like that cartoon. much care and thought should be taken when implementing changes that affect users :)

[DeepSeaTortoise]

I really wish there was a separate category for "short and funny" xkcds.

Some of them are incredibly hilarious, but the author is just way too productive.

[LoganDark]

> For me, this setting makes macOS snappier

For me, it just replaces the slow movement animations with slow fade animations instead, which is just utterly infuriating.

[DrammBA]

I just replied to call out how negative your initial comment was and was suprised to see the full edit, thank you for the change and even providing sample code.

[oneeyedpigeon]

I guess this is probably the kind of exact reason that I have "reduce motion" set, but it's a shame in this case since it's a pretty harmless implementation!

[yuters]

I wish the author of the site didn't see your comment. It took me a while to understand why I couldn't see it on any browser.

[nashashmi]

Time for the author to add a CSS VISIBILITY note for those with this preference alerting them to a non working page because their browser has this selected option

[hello12343214]

good catch. it should be fixed now for users that have those settings turned on. much appreciated!

[robocat]

Now some of us would like an override checkbox to enable your demo again!

I didn't even know I had prefers-reduced-motion turned on and I certainly didn't know it affected web pages via CSS!!!

Another 0/1 bit for fingerprinting. Doesn't appear in https://coveryourtracks.eff.org/ (panopticlick). Also see prefers-contrast, prefers-reduced-transparency, prefers-color-scheme, inverted-colors

[mrjbq7]

I hope you see this comment:

Please revert the "fix" that makes it so your demo is not seen at all.

[watusername]

Would be neat if the author added some text to the demo page when prefers-reduced-motion is in effect, similar to <noscript> tags alerting you to the fact that JavaScript is disabled.

[Summerbud]

Oh that is a really good point!

[codelion]

that's a good point about prefers-reduced-motion... i hadn't considered that. it's an easy win for accessibility.