Pretty standards

For a long time when training people about web design I have constantly been approached with one main query. The query is around the look of web standards websites and inparticular the organisational ones campaigning for web standards and accessibility. To be honest, it has become both a little embarressment and also a point of contention. Most of the people I end up teaching are designers first and as such approach things from a visual point of view. These people do not initially perceive what can be done with standards and that by adopting them there is no loss of design. The main reason really was the design and visual quality of the before mentioned websites.

I got up today to realise that this regular battle has suddenly become a whole lot easier thanks to the new Web Standards Project website. One of the first things I infact did upon going into work was show one of my trainees this as an example of their point being right and the standards community reacting to it. For a long time this has all been coming and I really feel this can only strengthen the position of this organisation and the movement itself.

My feelings on the design are secondary to the fact it can now be used to prove the point that design does not have to be sacrificed. I am sure it will also now appeal to a wider audience. The standards organisations and communities often feel like a closed circle unless you are in the know. With the opening of comments on this website there is a sense of unity and a wider commnunity. I think this is further enhanced by the fact that the WASP (Web Standards Project) held their meeting at SXSW was an open one – now if only I had sold those organs to go.

I am starting to get really excited about this year and not just because I am going freelance. It is a sum of things really that is starting to make me feel this year could turn out to be really exciting. This new WASP design makes me feel this even more. I think that finally web standards are to a certain extent (have been for a year or so) in the mainstream, but this move along with other people and projects will make it a standard in itself.

Whether you believe in Web 2.0 or not, this year is turning out to be one of great movement on the web. I remember feeling this sort of buzz during the first net bubble so I am fully aware of the fragility of the web with regards to movements. I feel that this time though, with careful reminding to not get carried away, we could see the web foundations built out of concrete not fairy dreams. Time will tell, but I am enjoying it more and more each day. I think we are all more wary of the situation after the last bubble bursting all over our faces. It has been a long time since I have been so excited and happy about working on the web though so long may it continue.