Welcome to the no script show about modern web design where we look at what we can build today with minimal software and skills.

Today we are talking about web images. We’ll cover technological changes such as new optimised formats and CSS properties.

And talk about the challenges of creating a fast and eco-friendly experience whilst also trying to make visually attractive designs for devices that range from wrist watches to 4k TV screens.

In this episode of No Script Show, hosts David Waumsley and Nathan Wrigley dive into the latest advancements in web images and their impact on design, performance, and the environment. Discover the essential tools and techniques for optimising your web visuals in today’s digital landscape.

- Explore new CSS properties like object fit, aspect ratio, and filters to enhance responsive web design.

- Understand the importance of image optimisation with WordPress features for alt tags and the use of "loading=lazy" for improved loading times.

- Learn about the "picture" tag and "source set" for effective art direction and device-specific imagery.

- Discussion on the pros and cons of using HTML tags vs. CSS for background images, especially in responsive design contexts.

- Delve into the latest image formats such as WebP and AVIF, and their role in modern web development.

Timestamps:

00:00 Struggling with web image complexity and lag.

06:17 Some generator colours work best with black.

07:09 CSS features for clipping, masking, and filtering.

12:02 Debating image use in HTML and CSS.

14:50 WordPress CMS made adding alt tags effortless.

19:32 Picture tag allows for adaptable image selection.

21:48 Struggle with image cropping and coding dilemmas.

24:56 Exciting technology, but hindered by third-party solution.

28:12 Google promoting WebP, SVG v2 from 2018.

32:45 Images can drive powerful messages if relevant.

36:31 Questioning use of stock images in medicine.

37:33 Web development trends and tools discussed, worthwhile.

Explore the future of web design with our latest episode of No Script Show, where we delve into the emerging CSS media features that cater to user preferences. Join us as we discuss how these features reshape the online experience.

- Learn about the new CSS media queries that enable unique user-centric web experiences.

- Discover statistics on user adoption of features like dark mode and the expectation for automatic application on websites.

- Examine the technical challenges and potential solutions involved in implementing toggles for various user preferences.

- Discuss the pros and cons of integrating these CSS features from both developer and client perspectives.

- Explore the significance of these developments for accessibility and the long-term benefits for web design.

Tune in to gain insight into how user preferences are driving changes in web design.

00:00 SaaS apps offering user-friendly customisation options.

05:10 Repetition of same feature for different types.

09:20 Quickly dip into links, educate ourselves on preferences.

09:52 Preference for dark mode driven by energy efficiency.

14:59 Reduced data for web content consumption detection.

19:00 Reduced motion support discussed among developers.

19:33 Struggling to find a need for animation.

24:44 Many developers prefer dark mode for coding.

27:57 Most users switch to dark mode after 10:00 PM.

31:01 Safari considering adding light and dark modes.

34:14 Tech infancy, user behaviours and branding control.

36:02 People are getting smarter, web is evolving.

Welcome to the noscript show about modern web design where we look at what we can build today with minimal software dependencies and skills.

With so much new CSS spec coming out it seemed a good time to have a chat about how we handle browser support.

In particular, Baseline which is a Google initiative introduced in 2023 that aims to make it easier for developers and other website stakeholders to understand what might be ready for production.