Re: feedback on 4.10.4.2.8 The pattern attribute

On Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:25:20 +0200, Joshue O Connor  
<joshue.oconnor@cfit.ie> wrote:

> Steven Faulkner wrote:
>> feedback on 4.10.4.2.8 The pattern attribute
>>
>> "When an input element has a pattern attribute specified, authors
>> should include a title attribute to give a description of the pattern.
>> User agents may use the contents of this attribute, if it is present,
>> when informing the user that the pattern is not matched, or at any
>> other suitable time, such as in a tooltip or read out by assistive
>> technology when the control gains focus."
>>
>> This behaviour is not implemented in AT. The announcement of the title
>> attribute content is dependent on a range of factors including whether
>> the input an associated label and how the user has configured thier
>> AT.
>
> +1. Use of the title attribute is something that in particular for users
> of AT has traditionally been poor. This is not to say that it /may/ not
> be useful but care should be taken in how it is used, unless UAs can be
> made to change in the future to support such behaviour.

This extension of behaviour requirements on the title attribute seems  
optimistic.

Note that as well as title there is rel="help" - that might be more  
valuable here, since it doesn't require the exact patternt to be specified  
inline in visible text, but allows for it.

cheers

-- 
Charles McCathieNevile  Opera Software, Standards Group
     je parle français -- hablo español -- jeg lærer norsk
http://my.opera.com/chaals       Try Opera: http://www.opera.com

Received on Wednesday, 15 April 2009 15:40:47 UTC