Title: Default set bell-style visible causes flashing that may trigger epilepsy — should be disabled by default #112
Description
Problem
Currently, the shell configuration includes:
if [[ $iatest -gt 0 ]]; then bind "set bell-style visible"; fi
This forces bell-style visible, which produces a white screen flash whenever a terminal bell is triggered (e.g., pressing backspace at the beginning of the line).
While this may seem harmless, it creates a bright visual flash, especially disruptive for users in dark mode terminals. This is more than just a cosmetic issue: flashing can pose accessibility risks, including triggering seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
Why this is an issue
- Accessibility risk: Flashing elements are considered harmful to photosensitive users.
- Poor default UX: Many users expect either no bell or an audible bell, not a bright screen flash.
- Inconsistent behavior: Different terminal emulators handle the bell differently, so forcing visible creates unexpected results.
Proposed Solution
- Switch the default to set bell-style none (disable entirely).
- Alternatively, allow the user to opt-in to visible instead of forcing it.
Example safe default:
bind "set bell-style none"