After years of relying on checkbox hacks to create a “switch” control for forms that toggle between two states, HTML may be gaining a native way to go about it by adding a switch attribute to checkbox inputs. Daniel Yuschick walks us through a first impression of switch controls and discusses current and ongoing considerations that need to be explored further before it is ready for prime time.
https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/switching-it-up-html-latest-control/
How can we get better at naming? This post is dedicated to naming conventions, tips, and real-world examples that help you name things in a robust and flexible way. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/naming-best-practices/
It’s easy to get lost in a sea of CSS frameworks and libraries, each promising easier styling and smoother layouts. Brecht De Ruyte demonstrates four CSS utility classes (plus a bonus) using techniques that allow them to be used practically anywhere you need a particular layout — be it Grid or Flexbox — with configurable options. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/modern-css-layouts-no-framework-needed/
Should you hide or disable a feature? You’ve probably been there before. Here are some considerations for hiding versus disabling, along with possible alternatives to improve UX. An upcoming part of Smart Interface Design Patterns. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/hidden-vs-disabled-ux/
Is there such a thing as harmony between designers and developers in the workplace, and if so, how can it be achieved? In this article, Chris Day explores the challenges of effective collaboration, outlines the key factors at play, and (hopefully!) empowers you to find the right solutions to help you and your team deliver to their full potential. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/building-user-segmentation-matrix-foster-cross-org-alignment/
Juan Diego Rodriguez explains why media queries still occupy a vital role in responsive layouts; only they are now one tool in a larger toolbox with modern techniques that are best when used together. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/beyond-css-media-queries/
Is there such a thing as harmony between designers and developers in the workplace, and if so, how can it be achieved? In this article, Chris Day explores the challenges of effective collaboration, outlines the key factors at play, and (hopefully!) empowers you to find the right solutions to help you and your team deliver to their full potential. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/transforming-relationship-between-designers-developers/
How do we conduct UX research when there is no or only limited access to users? Here are some workarounds to run UX research or make a strong case for it. An upcoming part of Smart Interface Design Patterns. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/designers-business-ux-language/
Preethi Sam walks through an example that demonstrates where custom properties are more suitable than variables while showcasing the greater freedom and flexibility that custom properties provide for designing complex, refined animations. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/times-need-custom-property-instead-css-variable/
In this comprehensive guide, Temani Afif explores different techniques for creating common shapes with the smallest and most flexible code possible. https://smashingmagazine.com/2024/05/modern-guide-making-css-shapes/