Web Standards Resources
September 4, 2005
There have been many online resources that I’ve found extremely valuable over the past couple of years of learning about Web standards development. I thought I’d take some time and share them—with you and with myself for later reference.
Jeffrey Zeldman Presents the Daily Report
I would feel remiss if I didn’t mention Jeffrey Zeldman’s site first on this list. It’s not so much his site that had an influence on me. When I bought his Designing with Web Standards book, I read it cover to cover several times within the first week. It had a dramatically positive impact on the way I think about (and now do) Web development.
NYPL Online Style Guide
One of the first and best online resources I discovered which details an organization’s process for developing sites using Web standards.
World Wide Web Consortium
Simply put, the standards I’m discussing. Always a great resource when you want to check the actual source.
Web Standards Project (WaSP)
As stated on their site, “The Web Standards Project is a grassroots coalition fighting for standards that ensure simple, affordable access to web technologies for all.” I’ve found the reference materials, Buzz blog, and templates particularly helpful.
W3Schools Online Web Tutorials
Great tutorials on a variety of topics including XHTML, CSS, JavaScript, and many, many more. Complete with instruction, examples, and quizzes.
A List Apart
Since 1998, as their tagline goes, “for people who make websites.” Includes a wide variety of articles and technical discussions submitted by the online community on many Web standards topics. Founded and creatively directed by Jeffrey Zeldman. Great stuff indeed. Check early and often.
SimpleBits
Founded, designed, and maintained by Dan Cederholm, a Web designer and author living in Salem, Massachusetts. I’ve been carrying around his two books for months: Web Standards Solutions and Bulletproof Web Design. I’m also a huge admirer of his design sensibilities–refreshingly simple and elegant. Dan has done some inspiring work on sites such as ESPN.com, Blogger, Fast Company, and Inc.com.
CSS Zen Garden
This was the site that really blew me away and got me excited about the reality that this whole “Web standards thing” can be beautiful, functional, and progressive… all at the same time. The CSS Zen Garden features over 700 user-submitted CSS designs which visually transform a single XHTML file. I carefully studied Douglas Bowman’s Golden Mean submission.
Stopdesign
Speaking of Douglas Bowman, Stopdesign is his small design consultancy. His site features a blog as well as samples of his work on sites such as Blogger, Wired News, and Adaptive Path.
MaxDesign’s CSS Resources and Tutorials
This clever site includes a huge number of visual examples and source code demonstrating the power of CSS development, including: Listamatic, Listutorial, Floatutorial, and Selectutorial.