No Script Show

Nathan Wrigley, David Waumsley
No Script Show

A show for people who build websites. A podcast on modern frontend web design where we look at what we can build today with minimal dependencies and skills. We're building this website as part of the show.

  1. 9 JAN

    Ep15. Static vs dynamic for content heavy websites

    On the podcast today, we’re diving deep into a crucial discussion for website developers and enthusiasts alike: the considerations between static and dynamic content-heavy websites. I’m joined by our hosts, Nathan Wrigley and David Waumsley, who will unravel the complexities of these two approaches. Throughout their conversation, Nathan and David explore various facets of website architecture, starting with the fundamental concept of atomizing components like headers and footers for efficient management. They delve into the resurgence of a more code-centric web development practice as opposed to the no-code trend typically associated with WordPress. Static site generators are a hot topic in this episode, with David and Nathan highlighting popular options like Hugo, 11ty, Next JS, and Astro. Despite these tools’ growing popularity, they don’t shy away from discussing the challenges, such as the need for technical skills and the overwhelming choice of over 365 static site generators. WordPress, a staple in their web development careers, is contrasted with newer static site approaches, noting the ease of use versus the deep control over code output. They also weigh in on SEO and automation considerations, crucial for content-heavy sites, and the financial aspects tied to maintaining WordPress sites. In a candid moment, David shares his experience transitioning to 11ty, a flexible static site generator favored for its simplicity and quick build times. They discuss the learning curve, especially for those not well-versed in JavaScript, and the potential of using 11ty for larger projectsThe dynamic vs. static debate continues as they consider the future of their own website, touching on personal reflections and the exciting possibilities that come with exploring new technologies. If you’re navigating the choice between dynamic content management systems like WordPress and the evolving landscape of static site generators, this episode promises valuable insights and practical advice. Tune in, and join Nathan and David as they tackle the dynamic and static showdown head-on.

    37 min
  2. 23/07/2024

    Ep14. The Frontend Divide: UX Designers vs JavaScript Specialists

    In this episode of No Script Show, Nathan Wrigley and David Waumsley dive into the evolving landscape of frontend development, focusing on the divide between UX designers and JavaScript specialists. Join us for a detailed discussion on the complexities and dynamics of modern web design. The role of Google and Meta in open source and their impact on project stability.Evolution of CSS and JavaScript, including trends like using CSS as a programming language.The growing complexity and specialisation in frontend development and its effects on newcomers.Insights on the divide within WordPress development between block editors and traditional coding.Emerging technologies like Web Assembly and their anticipated impact on web development.Timestamps: 00:00 Summary: Last topic on WP Builds platform, relevant WordPress changes. 05:20 Concerns about changes in web design industry. 08:29 Women find communication jobs using HTML, JavaScript. 11:11 Complex code could impact performance and users. 15:56 Google and other companies support open source. 17:44 JavaScript essential for front end developers. 21:36 CSS grid enables fluid web design breakthroughs. 23:21 Apple's advertising of seemingly pointless features. 28:17 Efficient tools simplify CSS coding and structure. 32:20 Brave browser activates reader mode automatically. 33:22 Desire for web integration in everyday objects. 37:05 Gutenberg's impact on WordPress page building. 42:00 Coyier's article emphasises WebPress development and winners. 43:16 Transitioning to video content from podcast.

    44 min
  3. 17/07/2024

    Ep13. What is the W3C doing about AI?

    Join Nathan Wrigley and David Waumsley as they dive into the latest W3C report on AI and its impact on the web, exploring the future of AI standards and ethical considerations. Discover the potential and challenges AI brings to web browsing, creativity, and data management. Discussion on environmental costs and sustainability of AI technology.Concerns about AI over-hype and its impact on creative and entry-level jobs.Insights into the W3C's proposed AI standards for transparency and data control.The debate over AI's ability to understand the context in creative tasks.Potential regulatory roles of governments and the changing perspectives on data ownership.Timestamps: 00:00 AI may eliminate entry-level creative career opportunities. 06:03 CSS evolving backward to old techniques, concerns. 08:15 AI struggles with decision-making, enjoys watching mistakes. 13:02 Questioning involvement with global, political, economic motives. 16:18 Report outlines stages: input, interviews, standardization, success. 17:52 AI impact and ethical concerns in technology. 21:03 AI poses threat to web accessibility, SEO. 24:22 Support for HTML markup for accessibility despite pushback. 28:39 Personal connection drives services, predicts big tech breakup. 32:44 AI progress may slow due to costs. 34:34 Human condition demands continuous exponential improvement in content. 37:32 Organizations' short-term profit vs. long-term AI future. 40:39 David will make changes, but it was lovely.

    41 min
  4. 12/06/2024

    Ep12. How web typography has evolved

    In this episode of No Script Show, Nathan Wrigley and David Waumsley delve into the intricate world of web typography and its evolution. From historical practices to modern advancements, they uncover the elements that shape today's web design. - Transition from pixels to rems and its impact on accessibility - Exploring new features in web typography like font loading and background clipping - Importance of fluid typography and tools like Utopia CSS generator - Challenges and beauty of typography for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean characters - Benefits of chromatic fonts, CSS columns, and underused HTML tags like kbd and wbr Timestamps: 00:00 Web design historically overlooked readability and formatting. 03:40 Fascinated by typography, but career path chosen. 06:34 Web design: Typography shifts in responsive web. 09:59 REMS, viewport units, fluid typography revolutionize design. 14:13 Fluid typography adapts, but has limitations with zoom. 18:17 Discussion on X and typography for web design. 19:41 Using V Max for flexible layout design. 23:44 Transitioned from limited to abundant font options. 26:03 Clarity in web design and font choice. 31:34 Underlining now seen as essential in UI. 33:10 Some consider using offset in CSS resets. 37:15 Variable fonts allow for greater design control. 42:22 HTML tags can be forgotten in web design. 44:15 Safari-only feature for hanging punctuation in quotes. 47:48 New languages make coding easier, improve display. 50:03 Indefinite break, be back with episode 12.

    50 min
  5. 16/05/2024

    Ep11. What’s new in web images. Are they worth a thousand words?

    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.

    38 min
  6. 02/05/2024

    Ep10. User Preferences: rethinking web design

    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.

    38 min

About

A show for people who build websites. A podcast on modern frontend web design where we look at what we can build today with minimal dependencies and skills. We're building this website as part of the show.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada