I keep making things out of checkboxes (bryanbraun.com)

Article summary

The author of the article created a JavaScript library called Checkboxland, which allows displaying text and animations on a checkbox grid. They initially built it in 2020, but picked it up again and started making complex animations, including interactive ones and image and video conversions. The author feels guilty for spending months on this project, considering it harmless fun, but is unsure when to stop. The project has led to various experiments, including displaying webcam data and playing animated videos.

Main themes

• Checkbox animations
• Creative coding
• Practicality vs fun
• Innovation and experimentation
• Marketability and reputation
• Gaming and simulations
• Browser performance and limitations

What commenters say

• Some commenters appreciate the creativity and fun of the project, while others question its practicality and marketability.
• The author's worry about being known as 'the checkbox guy' is seen as unnecessary by some, who think it could be a unique selling point.
• Suggestions for further development include adding color, using variable size checkboxes, and creating more complex animations, such as running DOOM on a checkbox grid.
• Others propose using different form elements, like radio buttons, for similar experiments, and some appreciate the potential for discovering new uses for existing technologies.
• A few commenters think that the project is a waste of time, but most see it as a harmless and entertaining endeavor.
• Some commenters discuss the potential for checkbox-based graphics to be used in other contexts, such as games or interactive simulations.
• The idea of running DOOM on a checkbox grid is seen as a challenging and intriguing project by some, while others are concerned about the potential impact on browser performance.