Random Word Generator for Research

[MattNewby]

Hi,

I am doing some research into dyslexia and want to use Excel, Word or Power point (not sure which is best) to generate the following outputs:

* Random single word from the inbuilt dictionary.
* Output to be either colour red, blue or green font in a random sequence (only changes when the word changes, each word one colour).
* For the cycle time to be user definable, if not possible then set to 8 seconds.
* Fill a landscape page, so can be seen from across a room or up close.

I appreciate that this is a tall order, but it is for research that could potentially help people. The idea is to stimulate the left angular gyrus in the brain which has been shown to have reduced activation in dyslexics.

The VBA to do this is out of my depth and I don't have the funding to put out to tender. If anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated and I will acknowledge your contribution in my finding, sorry but your reward will have to be in heaven as there is bug*er all down here.


Please advise and thanks

Matt

 

[Macropod]

See, for example:
Possible to make a random word generator?
You could use conditional formatting with the RAND function to vary the output colours.
Updating would be as simple as pressing F9 - something timed would require a macro.
The output size is simply a function of the font you use and the length of the word. Obviously, you wouldn't want to use a font too large to display the longest word in its entirety.

 

[mole999]

the basis is here
Excel Random Formula/Functions: Pick a number, name or item at random
will need an added timer
some sort of zoom function
a rand colour generator

but its a start to work with

 

[strooman]

Very basic setup to get you going;

Column A: A word list
[C1]: First entry of word list
[C2]: Last entry of word list
[C4]: =RANDBETWEEN($C$1;$C$2)
[C6]: =INDEX($A$1:$A$79762;$C$4)

Go to Conditional formatting | New Rule | Use a formula to determine which cells to format
=AND(CODE(LEFT(INDEX($A$1:$A$79762;$C$4);1))>=97;CODE(LEFT(INDEX($A$1:$A$79762;$C$4);1))<=110)

And use the conditional formatting manager to expand your rules. Conditional formatting | Manage Rules |
=AND(CODE(LEFT(INDEX($A$1:$A$79762;$C$4);1))>=111;CODE(LEFT(INDEX($A$1:$A$79762;$C$4);1))<=121)

Push F9 to generate new word.

 

[MattNewby]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice, I thought I was going to have to use VBA to do this.

All were really good ideas, though I went with Strooman's suggestion as it was the easiest for my pigeon brain to follow:

I do have one further question and possibly should add on a separate thread.

Does anyone know how to automate the F9 key to a user defined time sequence say every 8 seconds?

Please advise and thanks for the assist.

Matt