Rauno Freiberg recently shared a fascinating article on the CSS implementation of some of the innovative features on the latest Next.js website. It’s always a treat to see how things function on a cutting-edge modern design. Let’s dive into some key takeaways:
• The randomized dots on the switchboard add a cool factor to the design. A simple box-shadow effect does the trick, but the animation using opacity rather than box-shadow for performance efficiency caught my attention. Imagine if CSS could offer true randomization like discussed in this discussion.
• The use of offset focus styles with a box-shadow effect is clever. The blog also mentioned the evolution of the outline attribute to align with border-radius, making it more versatile with the outline-offset property. Personally, I lean towards using outline-offset for its easy control, especially in scenarios where focus styles may be obscured by hidden overflow.
• A creative use of negative text-indent was highlighted to bring quotation marks closer to the text in blockquotes. While it works consistently across browsers, the dependence on a specific value over a dedicated hanging-punctuation property is a notable point for improvement in CSS support.
• The adaptive fluid type showcasing the use of clamp() with viewport units is commendable. However, adding a rem unit factor in the middle parameter could enhance user font sizing compatibility. Exploring variations like max(48px,min(5vw,76px)) opens up possibilities for dynamic component styling using container and cqi units.
• The ingenious “gradient tracking” technique involving a moving SVG gradient background stood out as a standout visual effect of the year. It beautifully enhances the design aesthetics.
Looking back at my recent talk on “Modern CSS in Real Life,” now converted into a blog post, I reflect on the benefits of Logical Properties in CSS. These properties not only simplify code logic but also enhance site adaptability during translations, as demonstrated with Left-to-Right and Right-to-Left language transitions.
Exploring sites like the Arabic Design Archive underscores the importance of dual-direction design considerations, especially in contexts requiring seamless transitions between language orientations.
Additionally, platforms like archive.design offer a treasure trove of graphic design archives accessible through the Internet Archives, providing a valuable resource for design enthusiasts.