Month: May 2007

Yes, there is work being done to bring about a recommendation for HTML 5. We already have HTML 4.01 (the most current version of HTML) and XHTML 1.0 and 1.1 (2.0 is still a draft). What will all this mean for web developers? Some of the key aspects of HTML 5 as I understand it are improving HTML forms (it’s not XForms, but any progress would be most welcome!) and looking at some of the other limitations of HTML. I believe the browser vendors are also moving to standardise on some of the browser functionality that has become common: WYSIWYG components, and some APIs around ajax and similar (though some of this may be taken up by the Web APIs group). Perhaps it is better if you read the architectural vision for HTML.

Yes that sounds a bit of a muddle. It’s not really. If you work in the web industry it should be making sense (go read up if not, your professional development requires it today!). In any case, HTML 4.01 dates back to Christmas 1999. That’s 7½ years. Don’t you think web development has changed a bit since then? All of this relevant because tonight I “successfully joined the HTML Working Group”. Now isn’t that reassuring? 🙂

This afternoon I found out I will be attending job interview #3 for the year. That’s a lot of interviews really. I’ve been offered a (3 month temporary) job but was unable to take it, I missed the local job (but the conditions made that a favourable outcome), will it be third time lucky? I’ll know in a few weeks!

Oh c’mon people! You don’t expect me to stay with 32 bit architecture forever!?

ERROR: Your architecture, \’x86_64\’, is not supported by the Adobe Flash Player installer.

Got problems with Opera too. All is not rosy with the feisty fawn on AMD64. Not the fawn’s fault, the fawn rocks. Maybe it’s a free as in freedom thing. Catch up people, 32 bit is sooo, like, last millenium!

Today is apparently Blogging Against Disablism Day.

So designing web sites that work for all people is important right? Sure is. Universal design embraces all people, with all their personal preferences, and tries to provide them with a decent experience. It is about enabling people. You provide your content, or service, or products, in a format which can be adapted to suit different needs. And this isn’t limited to web design, it should be fundamental in all forms of design.

Including, if you are say the library attached to the local council and providing electronic books, audio books etc. as a new form of lending; including ensuring your new service is accessible to ratepayers with macbooks. In fact, it’s not about making it accessible. It should be accessible in the first place. It’s about not introducing barriers. It’s about not making it inaccessible.

How do you do this incredibly difficult thing? If you are a professional, you will learn.