[libreoffice-accessibility] Subject: Follow-up: Missing Icon Pack Contrasts & The Accessibility Pitfalls of Floating Toolbars

*Subject:* Follow-up: Missing Icon Pack Contrasts & The Accessibility
Pitfalls of Floating Toolbars

Dear Michael,

I wanted to follow up on my previous email with two critical insights
derived from extensive, hands-on testing of LibreOffice. These points
highlight specific UX challenges faced by users with visual and motor
disabilities.

*1. The Missing Middle in Icon Themes (Contrast Without Universal Darkness)*
While LibreOffice includes various alternative icon packs, there is a
distinct gap in available styles. Currently, we lack an icon pack that
introduces high visual contrast—such as using the distinct coloration found
in text formatting icons—without forcing the entire interface to become
uniformly black. Having a high-contrast icon set that retains standard
interface lighting would be immensely helpful for low-vision users who
suffer from dark-mode disorientation.

*2. The Critical Need for Stationary Customization vs. The Flaws of
Floating Toolbars*
In my previous message, I emphasized the importance of a native "add/remove
buttons" feature directly within the toolbars. I want to stress why this
must be a fixed, static option rather than relying on "floating
toolbars" (*αιωρούμενες
γραμμές εργαλείων*).

   -

   *For Visual Impairments:* Low-vision users rely heavily on structural
   muscle memory and a predictable, locked, and rock-solid workspace layout.
   Floating toolbars disrupt this consistency, creating more confusion than
   solutions.
   -

   *For Motor Impairments:* A floating toolbar demands high precision,
   stability, and fine motor control with the mouse. For individuals managing
   concurrent visual and physical disabilities—where limb spasticity
(*σπαστικότητα
   των άκρων*) is a daily challenge—navigating an unanchored, floating
   interface element becomes physically impossible.

True accessibility relies on a clean, predictable, and fully customizable
stationary environment. I hope these technical observations from a daily
assistive-technology user assist you and the UI team in refining the
LibreOffice accessibility roadmap.

Best regards,
Evangelos Vagias
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