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On this episode of The WP Minute+ podcast, Eric sits down with Jeffrey Zeldman, a pioneer in web design and co-founder of the Web Standards Project and A List Apart. They discuss his journey into web design, the challenges of early web development, the birth of web standards, and the evolution of CSS and accessibility. Jeffrey shares insights on the collaborative nature of the web and the importance of creating a more inclusive digital space. This is the first in a two-part series.

Takeaways:

• Jeffrey initially disliked web design but grew to love it.
• The early web lacked standards, leading to chaotic development. Jeffrey’s experience with the Batman Forever website is a prime example.
• Jeffrey played a key role in the Web Standards Project.
• The introduction of CSS revolutionized web design.
• Accessibility became a crucial focus in web development.
• Collaboration among developers was essential for the adoption of standards.
• The educational component of web design was lacking in the early days. The early web design community shared knowledge freely.
• The push for web standards was akin to the open-source movement.

Important Links:

• Jeffrey Zeldman Presents
• A List Apart
• The Web Standards Project
• Batman Forever website: Web Design Museum
• Connect with Jeffrey: Bluesky | LinkedIn
• CSS Zen Garden
• The WP Minute+ Podcast: thewpminute.com/subscribe