Low-vision and blind screen readers users do not use accessibility overlays
A new usability study clearly shows that website overlays do not serve any needs of a significant group of people with disabilities.
Case Studies
WordPress Site Editor Friction Log #2
After completing the initial layout and home page templates with the Site Editor, I moved on to dealing with some custom post types and taxonomies and putting the site styles to the test against existing content.
WordPress Site Editor First Use Friction Log
As I take my first deep dive into the new WordPress Site Editor, I’m stream-of-consciousness blogging the experience for future reference. Hopefully this will benefit others too!
Supporting Multiple “Block Styles” in the WordPress Block Editor
Block Styles let developers hand powerful design controls to WordPress site editors. Right now, there are some key limitations to the feature. I found some workarounds and have some ways I think Block Styles can evolve.
Storing Block Patterns in HTML Files for Nicer Code [Technical]
As I keep working with the block editor in WordPress, I often find ways to improve my code’s efficiency and maintainability. Here are a couple tricks for working with Block Patterns that will make a developer’s life much easier.
Watch Out for Phishing Scams
![Email with Dreamhost logo in header. "Your payment method isn't valid. Hello, We couldn't renew one or more items in your account. That's not a big problem as long as you take care of it immediately. Domain Name: [redacted] Renewal Date: March 21, 2021. Renewal Charge: $15.99. Charge Date: March 21, 2021. "Renew Now" orange button](https://mrwweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/dreamhost-phishing-scam-email-350x303.png)
One of my clients was recently targeted by a well-constructed phishing scam. Let’s learn how to sniff these out and protect ourselves.
Designing a Content-First Home Page [Last]
Most people want to think about the design of the home page as soon as possible. However, it’s best if you do the opposite: Focus on the content of the home page late in the project.
Expectations are Everything
WordPress 5.0 is coming out tomorrow. You should make sure you’re prepared. Also, we can learn a lot about communication from the frustrations and confusions surrounding this software update.
The Curb Cut Effect & Your Website
I’m a big fan of the podcast 99% Invisible, and have even blogged about how an earlier episode of theirs related to web design. I’ve got another one to share now! Episode #308, “Curb Cuts”, looked at the “curb cut effect”, in which an accessibility accommodation proves useful to just about anyone. Curb cuts are … Continue reading “The Curb Cut Effect & Your Website”
It’s Time to Ditch WordCamp Tracks (and What to Do Instead)
The idea of conference tracks is enticing and well-intentioned, but it doesn’t work very well for many WordCamp attendees and is counter productive in many ways. Here’s why WordCamp Seattle 2017 didn’t have tracks and what we did instead.
WordCamp Speaker Diversity, Blind Reviews, & Selection Criteria
Using a blind review process for WordCamp 2017 resulted in a focused initial review of speakers and a diverse final speaker lineup that reflected the demographics of the heavily recruited applicant pool.
Generating a WordCamp Application Review Form in Google Forms
This is post 1 of 3 in the series “WordCamp Organizing” I was the Speaker Team co-lead for WordCamp Seattle 2017. I’m really proud of the work we did, and the conference went fabulously. I want to share some reflections, ideas, and processes that helped us. Generating a WordCamp Application Review Form in Google Forms … Continue reading “Generating a WordCamp Application Review Form in Google Forms”
Idealware’s Content Migration Lessons [link]
[W]e weren’t prepared for how much work it would take, and as our web design team moved steadily closer to launch our migration initiative fell behind. Yesterday, Idealware launched their new website. To promote it, they sent out a newsletter with some great lessons learned from the migration. I wanted to link to it, though, so … Continue reading “Idealware’s Content Migration Lessons [link]”
Should Donate Buttons Be Red?
An excerpt of an email to a client describes the considerations I take when designing a “Donate” button on a nonprofit’s website.
Universal Design in Action: Facebook Video Captioning
Facebook found that video captions increase engagement by users. This is a great example of universal design in action!
The Benefits of Blogging & How to Start
The benefits of blogging have been many and diverse, justifying my time and effort. Here’s a list of them all and the two “rules” that help me keep going.