A while ago, we asked the W3C: how do we go about including multimedia objects in Web documents in a backwards-compatible way? In the first of a two-part issue, the W3C gave us a little history lesson about the birth of multimedia inclusion in HTML documents.
Now, in this long-awaited second part, we explore why the notion of backwards-compatibility doesn't gel with the concept of multimedia inclusion. We present examples of how the object element works, as well as a framework that we can all use to collectively test the level of support of this element in user agents.
Valid, CSS-based redesigns have become almost routine around here, but now and again we see standards making their way into a quarter they haven't previously reached. So it is with the new Capgemini site.
While large international consultancies are long on the expertise and experience needed to help megacorps, they're also known as a conservative lot who change at a pace that's downright glacial compared to their small-fry counterparts. The reason isn't just inertia (though that may be a factor), it's also that they take on projects with budgets and timescales several orders of magnitude beyond what many of us work with. Choosing a technology or technique prematurely could cost them (and their clients) sums equivalent to the GDP of many nations.
Nevertheless, Capgemini has forged ahead with a valid, CSS-based redesign that works as slick as it looks. Credit WaSP emeritus and co-founder Jeffrey Zeldman's Happy Cog Studios and current WaSP advisory committee member Douglas Bowman's Stopdesign with the slick work.
Bravo!
Ten Questions for Joe Clark is the latest (May 12, 2005) interview offering by The Web Standards Group.
Joe Clark talks about fonts, "more" links, opening new windows, skip links, source order, titles, accessible PDFs, forms, data tables and more.
In April, the group interviewed Jason Santa Maria on a variety of items and Tommy Olsson on the topic of XHTML.
The Web Standards Group was formed for web designers and developers who are interested in using web standards and following best practises. Their goal is to provide information and assistance to developers and designers and to promote web standards within the web design and development community. While their meetings are in Sydney Australia, the group consists of almost 1800 members from over 70 countries who can connect or discuss topics through the WSG discussion list. The upcoming June 9, 2005 meeting will have Dean Jackson discussing the topic of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG). Previously offered *ten question* interviews can be found listed on the Web Standards Group: Features page. There are several great interviews to read.
May 1st. To be remembered for...
- Elvis Presley and Pricilla's wedding anniversary? (1967)
- Last British concert by Beatles? (1966)
- The first Batman comic published? (1939)
Well yes, but also for the first CSS Reboot 2005.
CSS Reboot will attempt to bring together web professionals who design with CSS and standards in mind to launch their redesigns on May 1st. This way we can both participate and show everyone just how great semantic, accessible design can be.
What strikes me when looking over the complete gallery of entries for CSS Reboot is the wide variety of design compositions and themes. It is easy to appreciate and at the same time (constructively (I hope)) criticise the work of all the designers who have contributed to the event. And that is my point. We are looking at the design, pure and simple, and some damn fine examples included at that.
The fact that these designs have been implemented with web-standards technologies is simply the topping on the trifle. Well worth digging a big spoon into.
