Entries for month: “July 2008”
Form Mark-Up: Are Lists Appropriate?
Recently Mike Robinson of www.akamike.net posted a response to another article on noupe.com asking for opinions on using list with forms. I'm not trying to single anyone person out. Mike is not alone in his thoughts, and I am simply using his post Form Mark-Up: Are Lists Appropriate? as a "for example" on the kinds of articles that I am reading more frequently on various blogs. I'm not trying to pick on Mike but rather raise awareness to an increasing problem that I see.
One of the trends that I see more frequently, is to place all your content in a list. Ordered Lists, Unordered Lists, and Definition Lists. It doesn't seem to matter anymore. This "all inclusive tag" is being packaged and sold as semantic markup. Frankly I feel it's just bad marketing. Yes it does validate. So does a table. Validating is not a true measure of semantics. A list of any kind is meant for one thing. Listing content. It's not semantic to use a list for layout. This is still bending the rules for layout purposes. In fact I would say it's worse in some cases, and less semantic than using a table. I'm not saying "use tables" I am merely saying it's not any better. Lets take a look at the two practices and compare them to plain old HTML. I have laid out three forms below with the same elements. One is in an ordered list, the other uses a table, and the last one is plain old html.
See how these three choices stack up against one another.
→ Respond NowTags: Accessibility · CSS · usability
15 Photoshop tips to increase your productivity
I don't consider myself to be a power user of Photoshop but I use a few shortcuts that really make my life easier. I have compiled a list of some of the lesser known tips that can really help make your life easier. Take the time to learn the ones that you find most useful. Chances are your productivity will increase and you will feel better knowing that your more efficient.
→ Respond NowTags: Design · Photoshop
Arial or Helvetica
I happened on this site a few days ago where the author tests your skills in knowing the difference between Arial and Helvetica fonts. To the untrained eye, the difference is unknown. For us designer types the difference is pretty obvious. I scored a 100%, though the second word "APPLE" had me guessing. Honestly I just took a guess, and luckily I guessed correct. Take the test yourself and post your score in the comments area.
Additional Related Links
- How to spot Arial (do not read before taking the test)
- Not sure this is a related link or not. But designers should check out Helvetica the Movie. It's a really great documentary on this legendary font.
→ Respond NowTags: Design
