HTML5.1 is Now in Recommendation Status

The W3C has been busy this fall — HTML 5.1 has reached Recommendation status! https://www.w3.org/blog/2016/11/html-5-1-is-the-gold-standard/

Essential Guide to Digital Accessibility Infographic

When you provide for digital accessibility you design and configure mobile applications, digital documents, and web pages so that everyone, including those with disabilities, can have a similar user experience. Check out Deque's The Essential Guide to Digital Accessibility Infographic.

Video Marketing

Video marketing is an increasingly important tool for promoting a business on the Web. An infographic with more facts and statistics about video marketing is available at https://animoto.com/blog/business/2016-social-video-forecast-infographic/

New Blisk Browser

There is a new browser on the block and its name is Blisk! The Blisk browser was created specifically for developers and can be configured to emulate multiple devices, auto-refresh page rendering as files are edited, and synchronize scrolling between desktop rendering and device emulation. Future featured include screenshots, video captures, analytics, and more. Blisk is available as a free download for Windows at https://blisk.io. Mac and Linux versions are in the works.

Choose Accessible Colors Palettes with Color Safe

Try out the Color Safe web app for help with choosing background and text colors with enough contrast to meet WCAG 2.0 requirements.

8th Edition of Web Development & Design Foundations with HTML5 is Now Available!

It's exciting to announce that my new book, the 8th edition of Web Development & Design Foundations with HTML5, is now available at Amazon!

The popular Web Development & Design Foundations with HTML5 textbook provides a foundation in the skills and concepts that web designers need:

• Internet and Web concepts overview
• Create web pages with HTML5
• Configure color and text with CSS
• Configure page layout with CSS
• Configure images and multimedia
• Explore new CSS3 properties
• Apply Web Design Best Practices
• Design accessible and usable web pages
• Design for search engine optimization
• Choose a domain name
• Publish to the Web
• E-Commerce Introduction
• Javascript Overview
• jQuery Overview

The 8th edition continues to integrate HTML and CSS topics such as text configuration, color configuration, and page layout with an enhanced focus on the topics of design, accessibility, and Web standards. Updates for the 8th edition include:

• Updated coverage of HTML5 elements and attributes
• Expanded coverage of responsive web design techniques and CSS media queries
• Expanded coverage of responsive image techniques including the new HTML5 picture element
• Introduction of CSS coding techniques for dynamic menus
• Updated reference sections for HTML5 and CSS
• Additional Hands-On Practice exercises
• A new Case Study
• Updated code samples and web resources

Comprehensive instructor materials are available for the the book from the publisher, Pearson Addison-Wesley. Instructors and faculty can access free downloads of:

• sample syllabi
• exercise solutions
• case study solutions
• PowerPoint presentations
• sample test questions
• website project activity with milestone assignments
• a group website design evaluation activity
• a group WebQuest activity

Create Fullscreen HTML5 Page Background Video

Check out Dudley Storey's informative overview of responsive techniques for configuring a video as a full-page background at "Create Fullscreen HTML5 Page Background Video".

Five Current Web Design Trends

Check out the overview of the five current web design trends at http://www.webteacher.ws/2015/10/01/pros-cons-5-current-web-design-trends/

Configuring Text for Mobile Devices

Check out the useful tips about configuring text for mobile devices at http://www.creativebloq.com/web-design/how-choose-right-fonts-small-screens-91516966

Overview of Image File Types

Check out the informative infographic at http://makeawebsitehub.com/image-formats-mega-cheat-sheets/ about common image file types that describes their origins, characteristics, and best uses.

Using Color Theory to Improve Website Accessibility

Great tips on color selection and use in the article Using Color Theory to Improve Website Accessibility! Topics include: color combinations to avoid, importance of contrast (including warm/cool contrast), selecting complementary colors, using a monochrome color scheme, creating accents with texture and thickness, and an overview of tools and resources.

Nine Principles of Responsive Web Design

Check out the infographic overview of nine principles of responsive web design at http://blog.froont.com/9-basic-principles-of-responsive-web-design/

Flat Web Design

The article, The Future of Flat Design, highlights characteristics of this design trend: bright color palettes, simple typography, minimalism, ghost buttons, and long shadows.

Promo Trailer for 3rd edition of Basics of Web Design: HTML5 & CSS3

Check out the promo trailer for the 3rd edition of my book, Basics of Web Design: HTML5 & CSS3

Tips for Choosing a Domain Name

Check out the tips for choosing a domain name at http://firstsiteguide.com/choose-domain/

An Event Apart Web Design Conferences

Looking for ways to develop your skills after taking a web design/development course? Check out the conferences offered by An Event Apart. ‪

Psychology of Color Infographic

Colors evoke emotions and can help to engage your website visitor. Check out this psychology of color infographic:
Infographic by WebpageFX

New 3rd Edition for Basics of Web Design: HTML5 & CSS3!

New 3rd Edition!

It's exciting to announce that my new book, the 3rd edition of Basics of Web Design: HTML5 & CSS3, will be available at Amazon in late January! 

The popular Basics of Web Design: HTML5 & CSS3 textbook provides a foundation in the skills and concepts that web designers need:

• Internet and Web concepts overview
• Create web pages with HTML5
• Configure color and text with CSS
• Configure page layout with CSS
• Configure images and multimedia
• Explore new CSS3 properties
• Apply Web Design Best Practices
• Design accessible and usable web pages
• Design for search engine optimization
• Choose a domain name
• Publish to the Web

The third edition builds on the textbook's successful earlier editions. With the widespread support of HTML5, this edition introduces HTML5 structural elements early (in Chapter 2). Chapter 5 now provides an overview of color theory and an expanded treatment of the use of color in web pages. 

Comprehensive instructor materials are available for the the book from the publisher, Pearson Addison-Wesley. Instructors and faculty can access free downloads of:

• sample syllabi
• exercise solutions
• case study solutions
• PowerPoint presentations
• sample test questions
• website project activity with milestone assignments
• a group website design evaluation activity
• a group WebQuest activity

New Microsoft Browser with Windows 10

Computerworld reports that Microsoft will unveil a new browser code-named "Spartan" with the release of Windows 10.

The Book of CSS3 NEW 2nd Edition

Just got a copy of Peter Gasston's new 2nd edition of The Book of CSS3! There is detailed information and examples of CSS3 properties including transformations, flexible box layout, grid layout, and more! It's a great book to have on hand for reference, too!