Everest

Everest is a Chrome extension that enlarges text on web pages when you move away from the computer screen. Requires a front-facing webcam. For those with two cameras, go to chrome's Settings > Show advanced settings > Privacy > Content settings > Media > Camera.

Instructions

1. click the Everest extension icon to start tracking
2. press Ctrl+Shift+3 at any time to re-calibrate distance for default zoom level
3. click the Everest extension icon to stop tracking and go back to original zoom level
4. optionally change jitter tolerance (default 10% zoom) and sample time (default 750ms) by right clicking on extension icon > options

Inspiration

Computer users often sit in one static position, which leads to pain and higher risk of health issues. To reduce strain, one should frequently change one's posture while using a computer. However, Herman Miller, a high-end furniture maker, noted in their research that ability to view materials on the screen is the most paramount need for computer users, and will stay in unhealthy postures if the alternative is an illegible screen.

When our team members worked together previously, we noted that one team member always changes the zoom level in Google Chrome as he changes his posture so that text stays legible when he moves away from the screen. We realized that this zooming can be automated by using a webcam to measure the distance between the user and the screen, and automatically adapt the text size according to the user's position. In doing so, we hope to make posture changes more natural, and thus improve the working conditions of computer users.