Re: colorblind colorlab feedback requested

For those who missed it before, I recently requested feedback on an
in-development tool to assist web designers in selecting color
combinations that are accessible to color blind users. Colorblind users
constitute a significant minority of web surfers, and too often they are
ignored during website design. This tool requires JavaScript, frames,
and normal color vision:

    http://wickline.org/ref/colorlab/


I've seen quite a few new hits on the colorlab since last requesting
feedback on the tool. I'd like to thank you all for giving it a shot. A
number of you used Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x or early 5.x
browsers, and likely saw a large blank frame above a small 'thanks' frame.

Kathie from bkrweb.com was kind enough to report the difficulty, and it
has now been resolved. Thanks Kathie! :)

At one point, I'd switched from using code like this:

    if ( object[property] == null ) {
        // ... initialize the property
    }

to code like this:

    if (  !( property in object )  ) {
        // ... initialize the property
    }

This change was made to use the proper keyword 'in' for this sort of
test, and to eliminate a class of warnings which occured under
JavaScript strict mode in Mozilla. It' the right thing to do, but
unfortunately, it doesn't work in IE 4 or early IE 5 because those
browsers browser don't support the keyword 'in'. I had neglected to
re-test a sufficiently early MSIE browser after making that change.

I have un-done the change, and Kathie reports that the tool is now
working for her. I encourage any of you who tried the tool and found it
to be non-functional to give it another whirl...

    http://wickline.org/ref/colorlab/


I really do appreciate your feedback, as the more warts we can remove
from this thing, the more likely folks are to use the tool once it is
out of development, and the more sites will be safer for colorblind users.


I've noticed some hits from Opera users. It's been months since I last
tried to get this tool working with Opera. In the past, I've run into
too many walls with their JavaScript implementation. I need to take
another look with more recent Opera releases. If you might have any
suggestions from your own experience working with JavaScript in Opera,
the colorlab source is available for your review and suggestions:

    http://wickline.org/ref/colorlab/colorlab.tar.gz
    (most of the code is in the engine.js file)


Thanks everyone :)

-matt

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