Web Perspectives

Hosted by Sean G

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Mar 2025

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The ins and outs of the day-to-day life as a front-end web developer, from the most minute details to the most technical gotchas.

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46 recent

March 6, 2025Episode 41 hr 36 min

Accessibility, Drupal w/ Mike Gifford

What is web accessibility for the web and why does it matter? Mike Gifford, invited expert for the WCAG guidelines at the W3C goes through the 3 things developers should do right now to improve the accessibility of their web apps and websites.Also, is Drupal still alive, and how do its new AI features make it a contender for your next CMS?Find out in this 90-minute episode!Links: Funka: It Should Be the Other Way Round W3C WCAG 2.2 Overview Drupal Umami Project Getting Started with Drupal CMS DDEV Local Development Environment Boye & Company: CMSConnect Conference 10 Most Popular CMS Platforms in Canada Drupito: A Drupal Resource WebAIM Screen Reader Survey 10 Mozilla Hacks: Local Alt Text Generation Accessibility Insights Tool UNLighthouse Accessibility Insights Web Almanac Accessibility Chapter 2024 CivicActions Accessibility OpenACR Editor Section508 ACreditor Mike Gifford LinkedIn Profile CivicActions Digital Services Coalition Tag1 Consulting: Drupal’s Sustainability Project Apolitical: Centring Digital Accessibility in Public Services

February 21, 2025Episode 31 hr 54 min

The AI Disinformation Era w/ Khurram Virani

AI Chatbots have taken over like ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, and DeepSeek, but what does that mean for education? Are coding bootcamps a thing of the past?Khurram Virani, founder of Lighthouse Labs, Canada's leading coding bootcamp, discusses the pitfalls of relying on AI and the #1 problem developers face today when using AI: disinformation.AI Chatbots like ChatGPT give us answers very confidently, and believing them at face-value can make or break our success as new developers. Perhaps, then, we can leverage a system to make sense of all the information, but what does that system look like?Links: Khurram Virani, LinkedIn roadmap.sh - Learning pathways for technologists. continue.dev - Plugin for VS code and Jetbrains IDEs cursor.com - AI IDE lighthouselabs.ca - Lighthouse Labs, Canada's #1 Coding Bootcamp teachable.com thinkific.com - Lighthouse Labs Free JavaScript Crash Course

January 25, 2025Episode 21 hr 7 min

UX Design w/ Carrie Mah

What is UX and why is it important for developers to learn? Carrie Mah, Staff UX Designer and founder of Carrie M Designs, details the #1 mistake developers make when working with UX designers and how to get started in UX Design as a web developer. Timestamps: 00:02:58 - Her journey into UX design, starting from a computer science education and exploring various roles in software development. 00:05:04 - The importance of understanding user problems and business goals when creating user interfaces. 00:06:02 - How developers can get involved in UX design and collaborate with design teams. 00:07:50 - The value of joining online communities and using free resources to learn UX/UI fundamentals. 00:09:36 - The importance of sketching ideas and focusing on the architecture of an app before jumping into design tools. 00:11:02 - The basics of visual design, including typography and spacing, and leveraging existing libraries and guidelines. 00:11:54 - Using AI tools as assistants for brainstorming and content organization, not as a replacement for the design process. 00:12:27 - The concept of low-fidelity prototyping and its importance in the design process. 00:14:14 - The need for good requirements and user research to solve the right problems. 00:15:55 - The importance of integrating developers in the design process and making sure that the final design is technically feasible. 00:17:48 - Balancing the need to test ideas quickly with having a strategy. 00:23:05 - Common UX mistakes to avoid, such as reinventing the wheel and using the wrong components. 00:32:05 - The need for discoverability and accessibility of key features in user interfaces. 00:42:38 - The iterative nature of design and development and the importance of testing and user feedback. 00:44:17 - Steps for developers to get involved in UX design, starting with learning fundamentals, reaching out to people, applying skills, and building a portfolio. 00:46:22 - The expanding role of UX design, requiring skills in content, business, and communication. Links: Carrie's Website: carriemah.com Carrie's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/carriemah/ Carrie's Instagram: instagram.com/carriemah.play calgaryux.com: calgaryux.com wearedesignx LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wearedesignx/ designbuddies LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/designbuddies/ adplist LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/adplist/ smashingmagazine.com: smashingmagazine.com/ Stanford d.school: dschool.stanford.edu/resources/getting-started-with-design-thinking lawsofux.com: lawsofux.com

January 15, 2025Episode 11 hr 46 min

Magical Developers w/ Zell Liew

Author, writer, and front-end developer Zell Liew's self-taught journey. Featured on numerous web development magazines including Smashing Magazine, A List Apart, and CSS Tricks, Zell uncovers the single key accident that led him down his front-end web development journey to make 6 figures passively in his sleep. Topics covered: Does it still make sense to pursue web development in 2025? Are CSS Grid systems outdated? CSS framework or no? Bootstrap or Tailwind? Tailwind: the good, the bad, and the ugly The #1 tip for new front-end developers How to know if web development is for you Timestamps: 1:00: Zell's background and how he got started in web development. 7:00: Zell's first web development project: Building a clone of TutsPlus in 5 hours! 10:00: Zell's first freelance client: Charging $50 and learning valuable lessons. 16:00: The impact of self-development and confronting childhood trauma. 22:00: Writing his first book on the Suzie Grid system and the turning point it represented. 35:00: The transition from teaching "how to" to understanding "how you do it" and the importance of values. 43:00: Zell's frustration with existing tools leads him to create Splendid Labs. 57:00: Splendid Labs: A deep dive into its features, philosophy, and unique approach to documentation. 72:00: A comparison of Astro, Eleventy, and other static site generators. 82:00: The challenges of building JavaScript libraries for Astro and Zell's choice to use Svelte. 99:00: A moving story about a teacher's kindness and its profound impact on Zell's life. 109:00: Battling the "entrepreneur enemy" and finding balance between different aspects of himself. 118:00: The importance of understanding your "why" and aligning your actions with your values. 124:00: Zell shares a powerful quote from the Tao Te Ching about inner stability and cultivating the self. 130:00: Practical advice for navigating the ever-changing world of web development and finding your place. 139:00: Where to find Zell online: Websites, courses, and social media. Links Zell's Website: https://zellwk.com Magical Dev School: https://magicaldevschool.com Splendid Labz: https://splendidlabz.com Live Your Mark: https://liveyourmark.com TutsPlus: https://tutsplus.com Learn JavaScript: https://learnjavascript.today Learn Async Javascript: https://learnasyncjavascript.com

July 12, 2024Episode 51 hr 32 min

Online Courses, Web & React Fundamentals w/ Tony Alicea

Udemy vs. eDX vs. Pluralsight -- who wins? Tony Alicea, instructor for over 10 years on Udemy and Pluralsight, breaks down when to use online learning platforms vs. actually writing code. What's the quickest way to learn web development? What do the best learners do? Show notes https://tonyalicea.dev https://thesmythgroup.com Course coupons https://understandingreact.com/?coupon_code=WPP https://teamdynamics.dev/?coupon_code=WPP

June 13, 2024Episode 41 hr 45 min

When to Quit Your Job w/ Matej Latin

How do you know when it's time to quit your designer or web developer job? What do signs of gaslighting and verbal abuse look like in the workplace. Matej Latin, author of betterwebtype.com, shares the crucial turning points of his designer career from corporate banking to GitLab to his self-led journey, coaching thousands of aspiring designers. Links: Medium (Matej Latin): How my Dream Designer Job Turned into a Nightmare Job betterwebtype.com design course by Matej Latin Matej Latin on LinkedIn Matej Latin's website Timestamps: 0:02:25 - Economics to Design: WTF? 0:05:11 - Gitlab's #1 practice for remote work 0:10:27 - Remote's Impact on Teams: Good or Bad? 0:16:12 - Collaboration Secrets for Remote Teams 0:20:56 - Engineers and Designers: BFFs? 0:26:10 - Designers: Speak Up! 0:35:25 - Flat Orgs: Dream or Nightmare? 0:40:20 - Dream Job Becomes Hell 0:50:57 - Toxic Positivity & Gaslighting at Work 0:53:43 - Side Hustles While Working Full-Time 0:57:37 - Fix Your Damn Portfolio 1:00:55 - Job Interviews: Don't Be a Sheep 1:06:42 - When to Say "F* it" and Quit** 1:08:57 - The Importance of Passion in Your Work 1:10:16 - How to Find Your Dream Design Job 1:11:37 - The Importance of Mentorship for Designers 1:12:26 - The Importance of Transparency and Expectations 1:13:49 - The Myth of "Hitting the Ground Running"

June 7, 2024Episode 31 hr 55 min

Full-Stack Social Media w/ Muhannad Nouri

What are the best ways to learn full-stack web development? Muhannad Nouri, full-stack developer at Enverus, shares with us his #1 tip for leveraging YouTube, TikTok, and X to enhance his full-stack learning. Timestamps 01:43: Do you need a computer science degree to be a web developer? Muhannad shares his experience. 04:37: The #1 tip for new web developers to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 09:15: ChatGPT and Copilot: essential tools for modern web development? 12:18: The secret to learning new web technologies without burning out. 18:15: Social media: Friend or foe for web developers? 33:38: How to stay informed without drowning in newsletters. 45:46: Is LinkedIn still relevant for tech professionals? 50:49: The job hunt: How to make your resume stand out in a crowded market. 53:13: How to get that first web development interview. 57:45: Networking when you're not looking for a job. 01:12:05: The highs and lows of web development: What keeps us coming back for more? 01:23:03: Convincing your boss to adopt new tech: Muhannad's proven strategy. 01:31:07: The Angular vs. React debate: Which framework is right for you? 01:38:02: The art of mentorship: How to guide others without holding them back. 01:43:04: Pair programming: Valuable even for experienced developers? 01:50:02: How to get that first web development interview. 01:57:45: Networking when you're not looking for a job. 02:01:31: Where to find Muhannad online. 02:01:48: Muhannad's parting words of wisdom. Links Muhannad Nouri: LinkedIn Dr. Tony Tang: University of Calgary

May 30, 2024Episode 22 hr 1 min

How to Learn Web Development w/ Dan Stephenson

Dan Stevenson, a seasoned instructor at SAIT, demystifies the complexities of web development. Dan emphasizes the significance of mastering fundamental web technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript while highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of evolving trends. He delves into the challenges of balancing innovation with accessibility and performance in web design, offering valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring and experienced web developers alike. The discussion further explores the role of AI in web development, the advantages and disadvantages of using frameworks, and the crucial role of soft skills in career success. Links: SAIT Interactive Design - Web Design and Development Major SAIT Student for a Day: https://www.sait.ca/programs-and-courses/student-for-a-day Dan's website:https://danstephenson.ca Dan's podcast: Fireside chat: https://www.firesidechat.ca/

March 22, 2024Episode 11 hr 53 min

Web Accessibility w/ Daryl Suttie

What is web accessibility, and why does it matter? Daryl Suttie, accessibility enthusiast, answers our questions about accessibility gotchas and illustrates how we can promote web accessibility and "sell" it to large software companies. Timestamps [00:01:00]: Daryl's Background - Accidental accessibility specialist; held roles in design, development, product management, QA; now advocates passionately for web accessibility [00:03:24]: Accessibility Laws and Regulations - Current state in Canada, US, Europe; accessibility becomes hotter topic in coming years [00:06:49]: Accessibility Debt - Exceeds general technical debt; often unchecked upfront; much costlier to fix later than baking in from start [00:09:00]: TV Remote Analogy - TV remote navigation parallels keyboard-only web browsing; relatable way to build empathy for these users [00:18:00]: Screen Reader User Diversity - Benefits many beyond blind users - those with low vision, dyslexia, cognitive issues, distractibility; many lack power user skills [00:35:53]: Manual Testing Importance - Value of manual accessibility checks, even quick tab review; catches issues automation misses; some manual testing critical [00:41:19]: Expanding Accessibility Knowledge - How to stay updated on best accessibility practices; constant learning curve even for experts [00:51:07]: Growing Accessibility Demand - Increased demand predicted as more jurisdictions tighten regulations; uptick in RFPs requiring accessibility [00:51:51]: Reach Out to Daryl - Connect on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/darylsuttie for accessibility questions, website audits, or to learn about his accessibility journey [00:53:07]: Accessibility Barriers Unintentional - Most accessibility barriers stem from lack of awareness rather than malice; still problematic and important to address [01:04:00]: Form Interactions and Accessibility - Challenges with instant form submissions; separate actions for option changes and form submission; avoid unexpected context shifts [01:10:27]: Neglect of HTML Fundamentals - Developers often lack HTML knowledge; over-reliance on CSS and JS; semantic HTML benefits accessibility [01:17:00]: Daryl's Journey into Accessibility - From early HTML dabbling to accessibility-focused roles; fueled by passion for inclusivity and better user experiences [01:36:33]: Business Case for Accessibility - Opportunities in serving untapped user segments; competitive advantage; sticky users; millions with disabilities [01:40:25]: Responding to Accessibility Pushback - Incremental improvements over perfection; celebrate small wins; 10% progress still meaningful; ratchet up gradually [01:44:41]: Keeping Up with Evolving Standards - Continuous learning essential; even experts encounter knowledge gaps; importance of referencing latest documentation [01:46:41]: Accessibility in B2B Contexts - Readiness to adapt if needed; quick wins possible with focused training; direct user feedback critical [01:49:00]: Rising Frequency of Accessibility Requests - Increasing RFPs with accessibility requirements, especially in public sector; accessibility gaining visibility across industries Links Daryl Suttie LinkedIn https://makeitfable.com/ https://inclusive.microsoft.design/ https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/developing-websites-accessibility-getting-started

November 23, 2023Episode 81 hr 22 min

Inside Data Centres w/ Coral Taylor Bliss

Sub-sea cables make the internet possible today, but what about the data centres they connect to? Take a look inside the operations of what happens inside "colo" or "metro" centres that keep the internet fast and efficient via "peering". Coral Taylor Bliss of Equinix, which manages over 112 data centres worldwide, gives us the inside scoop on what it takes to run some of the world's most critical infrastructure. Coral Taylor Bliss (LinkedIn) Equinex Website Timestamps: 00:01:36 - Introduction of guest Coral Bliss Taylor 00:02:23 - Coral talks about her background 00:03:09 - Overview of Equinix and its founding principles 00:04:21 - Explanation of internet peering 00:07:37 - Importance of physical internet infrastructure 00:08:06 - How internet infrastructure enables web development 00:13:25 - Difference between Equinix and public cloud providers 00:45:25 - Equinix's platform and how customers utilize it 00:57:08 - Cost comparisons between Equinix, owning your own data centers, and public clouds 01:02:35 - Equinix Fabric for connecting data centers and clouds 01:06:10 - Equinix's ecosystem of connected networks and services 01:07:41 - Internet connectivity challenges in some countries 01:13:01 - Impact of satellite internet like Starlink 01:14:29 - Excitement about AI and internet-enabled entrepreneurship 01:16:00 - Sustainability considerations with aggregated data centers 01:22:19 - Where to connect with Coral / Equinix