[thelist] IE - The claret (white dotted line) on clickable images

.jeff jeff at members.evolt.org
Mon Nov 26 15:07:43 CST 2001


james,

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> From: MRC
>
> There is a proprietary IE property, hidefocus, (IE 5.5+)
> that removes the focus outline around objects without
> blurring the object:
>
> <a href="blah.html" hidefocus="hidefocus">Blah</a>
>
> You can also use the compact form without a value. The
> advantage of this approach over self.blur() is that the
> object still maintains focus; [...]
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

used by itself this could be quite damaging to accessibility.  sure, i can
tab through all the links in the page, i just can't tell which one i'm on.
;p

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> and by using the CSS :active pseudo class, for instance,
> you can still indicate focus by other means.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

in tandem with this technique, however, at least the sighted keyboard surfer
can still get a feel for where they're at.

this begs the question though - why are we trying to alter visual cues that
the user is already used to seeing in other aspects of computer use?  if
they're used to seeing dotted lines around focused elements in other
applications, why does it make sense to change that on the web simply
because the designer doesn't like how it "destroys the look of the site"?

let's all try to remember one thing -- the outline is *not* for the
designer.  it's there to help make your all frills and no thrills, fancy
pants site a tiny bit more usable/accessible for your *users*.

><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
> I would also echo the accessibility and usability
> concerns over removing the dotted line. There may be
> cases where this is truly useful, but I would argue
> that they are the rare exception.
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

i never doubted your stance on the subject.

thanks,

.jeff

http://evolt.org/
jeff at members.evolt.org
http://members.evolt.org/jeff/






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