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On Thursday, October 10, 2024, I gave my first talk at an international event, the WordPress Accessibility Day (WPAD) 2024. Just a few months before, I was a newcomer to the world of web accessibility. Yet here I was, speaking to an audience of accessibility specialists and advocates, and they were genuinely interested in what I had to share. How did I get here? Most importantly, how can you get here?

My Journey To Web Accessibility And Public Speaking

I first learned about web accessibility from contributing to caMicroscope as an Outreachy intern. Outreachy offers internships in open source and open science to people underrepresented in tech within their home countries. caMicroscope is basically an open-source tool for studying and analyzing digital images of body tissues.

During my three-month internship, I worked on enhancing the caMicroscope’s accessibility. I conducted accessibility audits to identify areas for improvement and fixed several technical issues to make the web app more accessible. Since this was my first exposure to accessibility, I spent a lot of time researching and learning, gradually building a knowledge base that would later inspire my first talk.

The more I learned about accessibility, the more I realized how important it is to digital product design and user experience, yet few people seemed to be talking about it. Just before my internship ended, I began searching for accessibility events that I could attend to connect with people in the field. That was how I stumbled on the Call for Proposals (CFP) for WordPress Accessibility Day 2024.

Initially, I was hesitant to apply. I wondered,

What do I know about accessibility that people would care to listen to me?

But I also thought,

How often do you find a UX designer not only testing for accessibility but actually implementing technical fixes for the first time?

This was my experience, my story, and no one could tell it better than me. The CFP also encouraged first-time speakers to submit a proposal. That was an additional motivation. I figured,

What’s the worst that could happen?

So, I pushed through my doubts, did extensive research to choose a topic, and finally submitted my proposal.

When I received the email that my proposal was accepted, I was thrilled. But then came the next hurdle — preparing the presentation itself. Now, I had to think deeply about my audience: what message I wanted to convey and how to make it engaging and informative. After all, people were going to spend their time listening to me. I wanted to make it worth their while.

I reworked my slides at least four times. Even the night before my talk, I was still making edits (something I don’t recommend!). Watching the sessions of speakers who presented before me helped me learn some last-minute tips, but it also led to comparing my slides to theirs, wondering if I was missing something. Up until my talk began, I struggled with imposter syndrome. What if I forgot what I was supposed to say? Or don’t know how to answer a question that an attendee asks?

Finally, the moment came. I spent 40 minutes sharing with attendees the importance of manual accessibility testing. Not long into my presentation, I felt my initial anxiety melt away. I was calm and enthusiastic throughout the rest of my talk. It was an amazing experience, one that I’m grateful for.

Since then, I’ve submitted another talk proposal to speak at a different conference. While I still have some doubts, they’re no longer about whether or not I’m qualified to speak but rather about whether or not my talk will be accepted. I’ve grown since my first talk, and if you’re considering a similar path, you can too.

Why We Hold Back

At every tech event I attend, when the hosts introduce the speakers, the introductions typically go something like the following:

“John Doe is the Senior Product Designer at XYZ Company, bringing over seven years of expertise to his role. He serves as Chairman of the Technical Steering Committee for the ABC Community, contributing to its strategic direction and growth. As the founder of LMNOP, John has driven a startup that has generated over $XXXX in revenue and created over 500 jobs, making a substantial impact on the African tech ecosystem.”

Impressive. Inspiring. And for a newbie, maybe even intimidating.

When they’re giving their talk, I often catch myself thinking:

With so many years of experience, no wonder they know so much. When will I ever reach this level?

I was subconsciously beginning to associate “speaker” with “expert.” I started believing that to qualify as a speaker, I needed an impressive title, years of experience, or some remarkable achievement under my belt. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

How To Deal With Impostor Syndrome

When I first saw the call for speakers for WordPress Accessibility Day, my immediate reaction was to scroll past it. After all, I had only been working with web accessibility for a short time. Surely, they were looking for seasoned professionals with years of experience, right? Wrong. Had I given in to this misconception, I would have robbed myself of an incredible opportunity for growth.

If you’ve ever held back from submitting a talk proposal because you feel you’re not qualified enough to talk on a subject, here are some tips to help you deal with the imposter syndrome:

Embrace Your Newbie Status

The reason you feel like an imposter is probably because you’re cosplaying as an expert that you’re not (yet), and you’re afraid people might see through the facade. So, the fear of failing and the pressure to meet expectations weigh you down. Be proud of your novice status. And who said experts make the best speakers? Even the so-called experts get nervous to speak.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Another reason you may hold back is because you don’t have speaking experience. But how do you gain speaking experience? You guessed right — by speaking. So, speak. Or at least practice speaking. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel. Start by presenting to your rubber duck, your pet, a friend, or a family member. Each time you practice, you’ll discover ways to explain concepts more clearly and identify areas where you need to strengthen your understanding. Record yourself and watch it back. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s one of the best ways to improve your delivery and body language.

Focus On Your Journey

Your recent learning experience is actually an advantage. You still remember what it’s like to struggle with concepts that experts take for granted. This makes you qualified to help others who are just starting. Think about it: Who better to explain the challenges of learning a new technology than someone who just overcame them?

Focus On Sharing, Not Proving

Shift your mindset from “I need to prove I’m an expert” to “I want to share what I’ve learned.” This subtle change removes the pressure of perfection and places the focus where it belongs — on helping others. Share your mistakes, your “aha” moments, the resources that helped you. These are often more valuable than polished theory from someone who’s forgotten what it’s like to be a beginner.

Share Your Experience

I’m not the first UX designer to dive into accessibility, but out of many contributors who applied to the project, I was the one selected to improve caMicroscope’s accessibility. That’s my unique angle. Your background and experience bring a perspective that others can learn from. Don’t try to compete with comprehensive tutorials or documentation. Instead, share your practical, real-world experience. Focus on sharing:

• Specific problems you encountered and how you solved them;
• Lessons learned from failed approaches;
• Real-world trade-offs and decisions you had to make;
• Insights that surprised you along the way;
• Practical tips that aren’t found in standard documentation.

Remember That The Audience Wants You To Succeed

Conference attendees (and organizers) aren’t there to judge you or catch you making mistakes. They’re there to learn, and they want you to succeed. Many will be grateful to hear from someone who can relate to their current experience level. Your vulnerability and openness about being new to the field can actually make your talk more approachable and engaging.

Why Newbie Voices Matter

You Bring A Fresh Perspective

As an early-career professional, you bring a fresh, unencumbered viewpoint to the table. The questions you ask and the solutions you propose aren’t constrained by the “way things have always been done.”

This reminds me of the story about the truck that got stuck under a bridge. Experts spent hours trying complex maneuvers to free it until a schoolboy suggested a simple solution — deflating the tires. Your recent learning experiences make you uniquely positioned to see solutions that seasoned professionals overlook.

You see, innovation often arises from those not bound by conventional thinking. As a newcomer, you’re more likely to draw parallels from other industries or suggest unconventional approaches that could lead to breakthroughs.

You Inspire Others Like You

Whenever I see a call for speakers for an event, I have a habit of checking the speakers’ lineup from past events to see if there’s anyone like me — Nigerian, female, relatively new to tech, young. If I don’t find anyone similar, I often feel hesitant about submitting a proposal. But if I do, I’m immediately encouraged to apply.

Your Story Has Power

Your story, your ideas, your fresh take — they could be the solution to someone’s problem, ignite a new area of exploration, or simply give another budding professional the confidence to pursue their goals. Your journey could be exactly what someone in the audience needs to hear. So, don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. The tech community needs your voice.

When you speak at events, you’re not just sharing your own knowledge. You’re inspiring other newcomers to step up and share their voices, too. Representation matters, and you’re contributing to the diversity of perspectives, which is necessary for progress and innovation.

Benefits Of Speaking As A Newcomer

Besides the anxiety that comes with speaking, are there benefits that you gain from being a first-time speaker at an event? Short answer: Yes. What are they?

Your Knowledge Grows

You know what they say: If you want to master something, teach it.

When I started preparing for my accessibility talk, I extensively researched not just my topic but also how best to deliver it. I read articles on creating accessible presentations. I was speaking at an accessibility event, after all, so my slides and delivery had to be accessible to all in the audience. The questions from the audience also challenged me to think about accessibility from angles I hadn’t considered before. Trust me, you’ll learn more preparing for a 30-minute talk than you would in months of regular work.

You Become More Confident

Remember that shaky feeling when you first pushed code to production? Speaking at an event is similar — terrifying at first but incredibly empowering once you’ve done it. After my first talk, I found that I became more confident in team meetings, more willing to share ideas, and more comfortable with challenging assumptions. There’s something powerful about standing in front of a room (virtual or physical) and sharing your knowledge that makes other professional challenges seem less daunting.

The Quality And Quantity Of Your Network Increases

Networking hits differently when you’re a speaker. Before my talk, I was just another attendee sending connection requests. After? Industry leaders were reaching out to ME. I remember checking my LinkedIn notifications after my accessibility talk and seeing connection requests from people I’d only dreamed of connecting with.

Now, instead of trying to start conversations at networking sessions (which, let’s be honest, can be awkward), your talk becomes the conversation starter. People approach you with genuine interest in your perspective, and suddenly, you’re having meaningful discussions about your passion with folks who share it.

It Gives Your Career A Significant Boost

Want to know what sets you apart from other candidates with similar years of experience? Speaking credentials. Imagine listing “Speaker at WordPress Accessibility Day” on my resume. It shows initiative and expertise that goes beyond day-to-day work activities.

Plus, conferences often give speakers free or discounted tickets to future events; that’s premium access to learning and networking opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for early-career professionals. That’s how you get to “that level”.

You Contribute To The Tech Knowledge Base

Often, especially with virtual conferences, a recording of the event is uploaded on YouTube. That means anyone searching the web for a topic related to your talk will find your talk in the search results. Your 30-minute presentation becomes a permanent resource in the vast library of tech knowledge. I can’t count the number of times a conference video addressed a concern I had or served as a resource for a talk or an article I was working on. Now, I get to be on the other side, helping someone else figure things out.

And here’s another bonus: those YouTube videos also work as a portfolio of sorts. So, not only are you contributing to the community, but you’re also building a body of work that showcases your expertise and speaking skills.

You Just Might Get Paid

Here’s something people don’t talk about enough: many conferences pay their speakers or at least cover travel expenses. Not only are you learning and growing, but you might also get paid for it! Even if the event doesn’t offer payment, the experience itself is invaluable for your portfolio.

You Build Your Personal Brand

Every time you speak, you’re building your personal brand. Your talks become content you can share on social media, add to your portfolio, and reference in job interviews. Imagine a recruiter saying to you, “I remember you from your talk at a so-and-so conference.” In an industry as competitive as tech, this kind of recognition is invaluable.

Tips For First-Time Speakers

I found this article by Andy Budd on how to become a better speaker at conferences very helpful when I was preparing for my talk. In addition to his expert advice, here are a few tips I’d like to share from my own experience as a first-time speaker:

Choose A Topic You’re Passionate About

When selecting a topic, pick something you’re genuinely passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through your presentation and captivate the audience.

• Recently learned a new skill that simplified your workflow?
• Participated in a workshop that changed how you approach a problem?
• Discovered a clever workaround to a common problem?

Topics like these, drawn from your personal experiences, make for compelling talk ideas.

Here’s a hack I’ve used to uncover potential speaking ideas: instead of racking your brain when a call for proposals goes out, stay alert for inspiration in your day-to-day activities. As you go about your work or scroll through social media, jot down any concepts that pique your curiosity. That seemingly mundane task you were performing when the idea struck could serve as a fascinating hook for your presentation.

Prepare Thoroughly

Once you’ve settled on a topic, it’s time to dive deep into research and practice. Spend time mastering the subject matter from every angle so you can speak with authority. If you followed tip no. 1 (choose a topic you’re passionate about and are drawing from your personal experience), you are already halfway prepared.

But don’t stop there. Rehearse your talk multiple times, refining your delivery and transitions until you feel confident. Watch recordings of similar presentations and critically analyze what worked well and where there’s room for improvement. How did the speakers engage the audience? Were there any areas that could have been explained better? Studying successful talks will help you identify ways to elevate your own performance.

Engage With Your Audience

A speaking engagement is a conversation, not a monologue. Encourage questions and discussion throughout your talk. Be responsive to the audience’s needs and interests. If you notice puzzled expressions or hesitant body language, pause to clarify or rephrase. Making that personal connection will keep people invested and eager to learn from you.

Start With A Virtual Event

If the prospect of speaking in front of a live audience makes you nervous, consider starting with a virtual event. The online format can feel more approachable since you’ll be delivering the talk from the comfort of your home, and you’ll have the flexibility to reference notes or prompts without the audience noticing.

Connect With Other First-Time Speakers

When I was preparing my talk, I spent hours on YouTube searching for talks by people who shared my background. I was particularly interested in their early speaking appearances, so I’d scroll through their video history to find their first-ever talks.

These speakers weren’t polished professionals at the time, and that’s exactly what made their talks valuable to me. Watching them helped me realize that perfection isn’t the goal. I studied their presentations carefully, noted what worked well and what could be improved, and used these insights to strengthen my own talk.

If you’re more outgoing than I am, consider reaching out directly to other new speakers in your community. You can find them on Twitter, LinkedIn, or at local tech meetups. Building a support system of people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be incredibly reassuring. You can practice your talks together and provide feedback to each other.

Be Authentic

Finally, don’t be afraid to let your authentic self shine through. Share personal anecdotes, tell jokes, discuss the challenges you faced, and be vulnerable about your own learning journey.

Your honesty and humility will resonate far more than a polished, impersonal presentation. Remember, the audience wants to connect with you, not just your expertise.

Conclusion

In retrospect, I’m glad that I pushed past my initial doubts and applied to speak at WordPress Accessibility Day. It was a transformative experience that has accelerated my growth in the field and connected me with an incredible community.

To all the newcomers reading this:

Your voice matters. Your perspective is valuable. The tech community needs fresh voices and perspectives. Your “I just learned this” enthusiasm can be infectious and inspiring.

So, the next time you see a call for speakers, don’t scroll past it. Take that leap. Apply to speak. Share your knowledge. You never know who you might inspire or what doors you might open for yourself and for others.

Remember, every expert was once a beginner. I hope you’re inspired to take the stage and let your voice be heard.

Further Resources

• “Getting Started in Public Speaking: Global Diversity CFP Day,” Rachel Andrew
• “Complete Guide to Giving Your First Conference Talk,” Gwendolyn Faraday
• “How to Prepare for Your First Conference Talk,” Lisa Wentz M.A.
• “How to Write a Conference Talk Abstract That Will Get Accepted,” Linda Ikechukwu

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As someone who loves design and innovation, I’m blown away by how Squarespace keeps pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, especially with their exciting advancements in AI.

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A Game-Changer with Squarespace AI

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Squarespace AI uses smart technology to help you craft polished, professional content—whether it’s website copy, email campaigns, or product descriptions—in no time at all. It’s like having a creative sidekick who’s always ready to help you get your ideas out there, sounding sharp and on-brand.

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Tools That Work Hard So You Don’t Have To

Squarespace isn’t just about gorgeous website templates (though let’s be real, their templates are stunning and some of the best in the industry). They’ve built an entire toolkit to help entrepreneurs sell, grow, and shine online. Here’s what’s got us excited:

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Better Marketing and Scheduling Made Simple

Connecting with your audience is key, and Squarespace makes it easy. Their updated email marketing tools, with seasonal templates and automation, help you stay in touch and drive engagement.

And with improved Acuity Scheduling, your clients can book appointments effortlessly—whether they’re on desktop or mobile. It’s a win-win for everyone.

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Your Brand, Everywhere It Matters

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Final Thoughts

Squarespace keeps raising the bar with its innovative tools, especially in AI. By combining stunning design, powerful selling features, and top-notch content creation capabilities, it’s a platform that truly helps businesses of all sizes succeed.

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With cyber threats on the rise, ensuring your site is protected against hacks is not just a best practice, but a necessity. In this article, we will explore effective strategies to fortify your WordPress site, enhancing its security and safeguarding your valuable content.

Understanding the Risks

WordPress, powering over 40% of all websites globally, is a prime target for hackers due to its popularity and open-source nature. Common threats include:

• Brute Force Attacks: Where attackers attempt to guess your login credentials.
• Malware Infections: Malicious software that can compromise your site’s integrity.
• SQL Injection: A technique used to manipulate databases and extract sensitive information.

Recognizing these threats is the first step in developing a robust security strategy for your WordPress site. It’s also crucial to note that not all vulnerabilities come from external hackers. Sometimes, poor practices by website owners, such as using outdated themes or neglecting backups, can inadvertently create opportunities for breaches.

1. Keep Everything Updated

Probably the easiest yet most effective way to secure a WordPress site is to keep core software, themes, and plugins updated. Regular updates have security patches aimed at known vulnerabilities. Either schedule a time to check for updates or enable auto-updates so that your website is always protected.

Also, make it a habit to audit unused themes and plugins regularly. If you are no longer using a certain plugin or theme, make sure it is deactivated and deleted. Unmaintained plugins or themes open up a popular gateway for hackers.

2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Weak passwords are an open invitation to hackers. Implement strong, unique passwords for your admin accounts, and consider using a password manager to keep track of them. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for an extra layer of security. This ensures that even if your password is compromised, unauthorized users cannot access your site without a second form of verification.

Another useful practice is changing default usernames like “admin.” Default usernames are easy targets for brute force attacks. Use unique usernames that don’t give away your identity or role in the website.

3. Limit Login Attempts

Brute force attacks are common, where hackers try multiple password combinations to gain access. To mitigate this risk, limit the number of login attempts by installing security plugins like Wordfence or iThemes Security. These tools can temporarily lock out users after a set number of failed attempts, dramatically reducing the chances of unauthorized access.

In addition to limiting login attempts, consider implementing CAPTCHA on your login page. CAPTCHA helps verify that a human, not a bot, is trying to log in, adding another layer of protection against automated attacks.

4. Choose a Reliable Hosting Provider

Your choice of hosting provider is critical to your site’s security. Look for hosts that offer robust security features, such as:

• SSL Certificates: Encrypts data between the user and your site.
• Firewalls: Protects against malicious traffic.
• Regular Backups: Ensures you can restore your site quickly in the event of a breach.

Research and select a hosting provider that prioritizes security, giving you peace of mind.

In addition to these features, some hosting providers offer real-time malware scanning and protection against distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. It’s worth investing in managed WordPress hosting services, which typically include enhanced security features tailored for WordPress sites.

5. Regular Backups

Backups are your safety net in the event of a hack. Regularly back up your WordPress site, including your database and files. Use reliable backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy to automate this process. Store backups in multiple locations, such as cloud storage and external hard drives, to ensure you can quickly restore your site if needed.

Test your backups periodically to ensure they work. A backup is only as good as its ability to restore your site effectively. This step is often overlooked but can save you time and frustration in case of a breach.

6. Utilize Security Plugins

WordPress offers a plethora of security plugins that can help you monitor and protect your site. Consider using:

• Wordfence Security: Provides firewall protection and malware scanning.
• Sucuri Security: Offers security audits, malware removal, and monitoring.
• iThemes Security: Enhances your site’s security with various features like file change detection and database backups.

These plugins can significantly bolster your site’s defenses against hacks.

In addition to general-purpose security plugins, consider specialized tools for specific needs, such as file integrity monitoring or login activity tracking. Layering your defenses with these tools can give your website a comprehensive security framework.

7. Monitor User Activity

If your WordPress site has multiple users, it’s essential to monitor their activity. Use plugins that log user actions, allowing you to keep track of changes made on your site. This can help you identify suspicious behavior and take action before a serious issue arises.

To take it a step further, assign user roles carefully. Grant users only the permissions they need to perform their tasks. Avoid assigning administrator roles to users who don’t require full access, as this can increase your site’s vulnerability.

8. Secure Your Website’s Core Files

Beyond the plugins and updates, securing your core WordPress files is critical. Protect your wp-config.php file by moving it to a higher directory if possible. This file contains sensitive information about your database and should not be accessible to unauthorized users.

Additionally, disable file editing within your WordPress dashboard. This can be done by adding the following line to your wp-config.php file:

define(‘DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT’, true);

This step prevents hackers from editing theme or plugin files if they gain access to your admin panel.

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9. Protect Your Database

WordPress databases are a goldmine for hackers. To secure your database:

• Change the default database prefix (e.g., change wp_ to something unique).
• Use strong, unique database passwords.
• Limit database user privileges to only what is necessary for the site to function.

Database security is an often-overlooked aspect of WordPress security, but neglecting it can lead to significant breaches.

10. Use HTTPS and Secure Your Data

Switching to HTTPS ensures that the data exchanged between your site and its visitors is encrypted. This is particularly important for sites that handle sensitive user information, such as login credentials or payment details.

SSL certificates are now widely available, with many hosting providers offering free SSL through Let’s Encrypt. Installing and configuring SSL on your WordPress site is a straightforward process and an essential step in modern web security.

Securing your WordPress site against hacks is an ongoing process that requires diligence and proactive measures. By implementing these strategies, you can create a robust security posture that protects your site and its content from potential threats. Remember, the cost of prevention is always less than the cost of a breach. Take control of your WordPress security today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your website is safeguarded against malicious attacks.

Featured image by marcos mayer on Unsplash

Color Palette is a web application developed by Tobias Mønster Madsen, designed to provide users with a collection of curated color palettes for inspiration and design purposes.

Currently, the site is in development, with plans to expand its offerings by adding more color palettes, styles, and features in the future. Users are encouraged to share their feedback or suggestions, which will help shape the platform as it evolves.

The intuitive interface of Color Palette allows for easy navigation, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to experiment with colors or find harmonious combinations for graphic design, web development, or artistic projects.

Whether you’re a professional designer or a hobbyist, this tool aims to simplify the often complex process of color selection, providing inspiration and functionality in a straightforward and accessible format.

https://www.colorpalette.dk

The Popover API and element are two of my favorite new platform features. In fact, I recently [wrote a detailed overview of their use cases] and the sorts of things you can do with them, even learning a few tricks in the process that I couldn’t find documented anywhere else.

I’ll admit that one thing that I really dislike about popovers and dialogs is that they could’ve easily been combined into a single API. They cover different use cases (notably, dialogs are typically modal) but are quite similar in practice, and yet their implementations are different.

Well, web browsers are now experimenting with two HTML attributes — technically, they’re called “invoker commands” — that are designed to invoke popovers, dialogs, and further down the line, all kinds of actions without writing JavaScript. Although, if you do reach for JavaScript, the new attributes — command and commandfor — come with some new events that we can listen for.

Invoker commands? I’m sure you have questions, so let’s dive in.

We’re in experimental territory

Before we get into the weeds, we’re dealing with experimental features. To use invoker commands today in November 2024 you’ll need Chrome Canary 134+ with the enable-experimental-web-platform-features flag set to Enabled, Firefox Nightly 135+ with the dom.element.invokers.enabled flag set to true, or Safari Technology Preview with the InvokerAttributesEnabled flag set to true.

I’m optimistic we’ll get baseline coverage for command and commandfor in due time considering how nicely they abstract the kind of work that currently takes a hefty amount of scripting.

Basic command and commandfor usage

First, you’ll need a or a button-esque along the lines of or . Next, tack on the command attribute. The command value should be the command name that you want the button to invoke (e.g., show-modal). After that, drop the commandfor attribute in there referencing the dialog or popover you’re targeting by its id.

<button command="show-modal" commandfor="dialogA">Show dialogA</button>

<dialog id="dialogA">...</dialog>

In this example, I have a

element with a command attribute set to show-modal and a commandfor attribute set to dialogA, which matches the id of a element we’re targeting:

Let’s get into the possible values for these invoker commands and dissect what they’re doing.

Looking closer at the attribute values

CodePen Embed Fallback

The show-modal value is the command that I just showed you in that last example. Specifically, it’s the HTML-invoked equivalent of JavaScript’s showModal() method.

The main benefit is that show-modal enables us to, well… show a modal without reaching directly for JavaScript. Yes, this is almost identical to how HTML-invoked popovers already work with thepopovertarget and popovertargetaction attributes, so it’s cool that the “balance is being redressed” as the Open UI explainer describes it, even more so because you can use the command and commandfor invoker commands for popovers too.

There isn’t a show command to invoke show() for creating non-modal dialogs. I’ve mentioned before that non-modal dialogs are redundant now that we have the Popover API, especially since popovers have ::backdrops and other dialog-like features. My bold prediction is that non-modal dialogs will be quietly phased out over time.

The close command is the HTML-invoked equivalent of JavaScript’s close() method used for closing the dialog. You probably could have guessed that based on the name alone!

<dialog id="dialogA">
  <!-- Close #dialogA -->
  <button command="close" commandfor="dialogA">Close dialogA</button>
</dialog>

The show-popover, hide-popover, and toggle-popover values

<button command="show-popover" commandfor="id">

…invokes showPopover(), and is the same thing as:

<button popovertargetaction="show" popovertarget="id">

Similarly:

<button command="hide-popover" commandfor="id">

…invokes hidePopover(), and is the same thing as:

<button popovertargetaction="hide" popovertarget="id">

Finally:

<button command="toggle-popover" commandfor="id">

…invokes togglePopover(), and is the same thing as:

<button popovertargetaction="toggle" popovertarget="id">
<!--  or <button popovertarget="id">, since ‘toggle’ is the default action anyway. -->

I know all of this can be tough to organize in your mind’s eye, so perhaps a table will help tie things together:

command	Invokes	popovertargetaction equivalent
show-popover	showPopover()	show
hide-popover	hidePopover()	hide
toggle-popover	togglePopover()	toggle

So… yeah, popovers can already be invoked using HTML attributes, making command and commandfor not all that useful in this context. But like I said, invoker commands also come with some useful JavaScript stuff, so let’s dive into all of that.

Listening to commands with JavaScript

Invoker commands dispatch a command event to the target whenever their source button is clicked on, which we can listen for and work with in JavaScript. This isn’t required for a element’s close event, or a popover attribute’s toggle or beforetoggle event, because we can already listen for those, right?

For example, the Dialog API doesn’t dispatch an event when a is shown. So, let’s use invoker commands to listen for the command event instead, and then read event.command to take the appropriate action.

// Select all dialogs
const dialogs = document.querySelectorAll("dialog");

// Loop all dialogs
dialogs.forEach(dialog => {

  // Listen for close (as normal)
  dialog.addEventListener("close", () => {
    // Dialog was closed
  });

  // Listen for command
  dialog.addEventListener("command", event => {

    // If command is show-modal
    if (event.command == "show-modal") {
      // Dialog was shown (modally)
    }

    // Another way to listen for close
    else if (event.command == "close") {
      // Dialog was closed
    }

  });
});

So invoker commands give us additional ways to work with dialogs and popovers, and in some scenarios, they’ll be less verbose. In other scenarios though, they’ll be more verbose. Your approach should depend on what you need your dialogs and popovers to do.

For the sake of completeness, here’s an example for popovers, even though it’s largely the same:

// Select all popovers
const popovers = document.querySelectorAll("[popover]");

// Loop all popovers
popovers.forEach(popover => {

  // Listen for command
  popover.addEventListener("command", event => {

    // If command is show-popover
    if (event.command == "show-popover") {
      // Popover was shown
    }

    // If command is hide-popover
    else if (event.command == "hide-popover") {
      // Popover was hidden
    }

    // If command is toggle-popover
    else if (event.command == "toggle-popover") {
      // Popover was toggled
    }

  });
});

Being able to listen for show-popover and hide-popover is useful as we otherwise have to write a sort of “if opened, do this, else do that” logic from within a toggle or beforetoggle event listener or toggle-popover conditional. But elements? Yeah, those benefit more from the command and commandfor attributes than they do from this command JavaScript event.

Another thing that’s available to us via JavaScript is event.source, which is the button that invokes the popover or :

if (event.command == "toggle-popover") {
  // Toggle the invoker’s class
  event.source.classList.toggle("active");
}

You can also set the command and commandfor attributes using JavaScript:

const button = document.querySelector("button");
const dialog = document.querySelector("dialog");

button.command = "show-modal";
button.commandForElement = dialog; /* Not dialog.id */

…which is only slightly less verbose than:

button.command = "show-modal";
button.setAttribute("commandfor", dialog.id);

Creating custom commands

The command attribute also accepts custom commands prefixed with two dashes (--). I suppose this makes them like CSS custom properties but for JavaScript events and event handler HTML attributes. The latter observation is maybe a bit (or definitely a lot) controversial since using event handler HTML attributes is considered bad practice. But let’s take a look at that anyway, shall we?

Custom commands look like this:

<button command="--spin-me-a-bit" commandfor="record">Spin me a bit</button>
<button command="--spin-me-a-lot" commandfor="record">Spin me a lot</button>
<button command="--spin-me-right-round" commandfor="record">Spin me right round</button>

const record = document.querySelector("#record");

record.addEventListener("command", event => {
  if (event.command == "--spin-me-a-bit") {
    record.style.rotate = "90deg";
  } else if (event.command == "--spin-me-a-lot") {
    record.style.rotate = "180deg";
  } else if (event.command == "--spin-me-right-round") {
    record.style.rotate = "360deg";
  }
});

event.command must match the string with the dashed (--) prefix.

Are popover and the only features that support invoker commands?

According to Open UI, invokers targeting additional elements such as

were deferred from the initial release. I think this is because HTML-invoked dialogs and an API that unifies dialogs and popovers is a must-have, whereas other commands (even custom commands) feel more like a nice-to-have deal.

However, based on experimentation (I couldn’t help myself!) web browsers have actually implemented additional invokers to varying degrees. For example,

commands work as expected whereas commands match event.command (e.g., show-picker) but fail to actually invoke the method (showPicker()). I missed all of this at first because MDN only mentions dialog and popover.

Open UI also alludes to commands for , , , , and fullscreen-related methods, but I don’t think that anything is certain at this point.

So, what would be the benefits of invoker commands?

Well, a whole lot less JavaScript for one, especially if more invoker commands are implemented over time. Additionally, we can listen for these commands almost as if they were JavaScript events. But if nothing else, invoker commands simply provide more ways to interact with APIs such as the Dialog and Popover APIs. In a nutshell, it seems like a lot of “dotting i’s” and “crossing-t’s” which is never a bad thing.

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Invoker Commands: Additional Ways to Work With Dialog, Popover… and More? originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.

The WordPress 6.7 release, named “Rollins” honors jazz legend Sonny Rollins, renowned for his improvisational mastery and innovative contributions to jazz.

His iconic compositions, like “St. Thomas” and “Oleo,” reflect his bold, exploratory style, paralleling WordPress’ mission to empower creativity and innovation. This update embodies Rollins’ spirit of pushing boundaries, offering new features and enhancements to inspire digital expression.

Twenty Twenty-Five Theme

The new default theme, Twenty Twenty-Five, is built to offer unparalleled flexibility for various website types. Whether you are creating a personal blog, a portfolio, or a professional business site, this theme provides robust design tools that leverage the full power of the block editor.

It includes multiple pre-designed block patterns, diverse style variations, and rich color palettes, allowing users to create visually stunning and functional websites quickly and easily.

Zoom Out Mode

Zoom Out Mode is a revolutionary addition to the site editing experience. It allows users to view and edit their website from a broader perspective, making it easier to arrange and modify entire sections and patterns. This feature is especially useful for managing complex layouts, giving users a clear overview of their site’s structure and design while streamlining the process of making adjustments.

Dynamic Content Integration

WordPress 6.7 introduces the ability to connect blocks directly to dynamic content sources, such as custom fields, from within the editor.

This new functionality simplifies the creation of dynamic websites, such as portfolios, blogs, and ecommerce stores, without requiring extensive coding knowledge. It also enhances compatibility with popular tools like Advanced Custom Fields (ACF), making it easier to create and manage dynamic content.

Advanced Typography Control

The advanced typography settings in WordPress 6.7 give users greater control over text design. With the ability to create and manage custom font size presets, as well as utilize fluid typography for responsive text scaling, users can ensure that their websites look polished and consistent across all devices. This update also enhances the overall design flexibility and user experience.

Performance Enhancements

Performance improvements are a highlight of WordPress 6.7, focusing on speed and stability. Block patterns and templates now load faster, and previews in data views have been optimized for efficiency. Compatibility with PHP 8 and higher versions has been improved, and the HTML processing engine has been refined for faster rendering and better performance overall.

Accessibility Improvements

Accessibility has been a major focus in this release, with over 65 fixes and enhancements aimed at making WordPress more inclusive. These updates include improved keyboard navigation in the editor, better labeling and instructions for various interface components, and fixes to ensure that assistive technologies can interact with WordPress more effectively.

HEIC Image Support

WordPress 6.7 adds native support for HEIC image files, a format widely used by iPhone cameras. This update makes it easier to upload and use high-quality, space-efficient images across all blocks, expanding the platform’s media capabilities and providing more options for visual content creation.

Query Loop Block Refinements

The Query Loop block, a powerful tool for displaying dynamic content, has been refined for ease of use. Automated default settings simplify the setup process, while key customization options have been consolidated for greater clarity. These improvements make the Query Loop block more accessible to beginners while retaining its flexibility for advanced users.

Preview Dropdown Extensions

Developers now have the ability to extend the preview dropdown menu with custom preview options. This feature enables users to test and view content in new contexts, such as specific device sizes or custom configurations, providing greater flexibility and control over the content preview process.

Background Customization

Enhanced background customization tools allow for the application of consistent styles across a site. These global settings ensure a unified design aesthetic while offering greater creative control over the appearance of pages and individual blocks. This feature simplifies the process of maintaining cohesive site-wide designs.

Site Editor Page View Enhancements

The Site Editor’s page view has been enhanced to include advanced filtering options, enabling users to display specific categories such as Published, Draft, or Scheduled pages. This update improves navigation and organization within the editor, making it easier to manage content effectively.

Template Registration API

The new Template Registration API simplifies the process of creating and managing custom templates. It allows plugins to introduce custom templates independent of themes, supports theme overrides, and enables the creation of templates tailored to specific categories or content types.

Expanded Design Tools

WordPress 6.7 expands the range of design tools available for individual blocks. New options, such as shadows and borders, give users more creative control over block appearance. These tools enable the creation of visually distinct and professional-looking websites without the need for external design software.

Interactivity API Improvements

The Interactivity API has been updated with new capabilities for robust state management and improved integration with JavaScript. These enhancements make it easier for developers to build dynamic, interactive web experiences while addressing previous bugs to ensure smoother operation.

WordPress 6.7 is a testament to the platform’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. It provides tools and features that cater to a diverse range of users, enabling them to build more functional, visually appealing, and high-performing websites.

Download WordPress 6.7 “Rollins” here

A recent survey by Santa Cruz Software reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly transforming the design sector.

Among over 400 U.S.-based graphic designers surveyed, 98% report AI has altered their workflows, and 91% note a positive return on investment (ROI) from adopting AI tools. Creative directors (72%) view AI as a collaborative assistant that enhances creativity without replacing human input.

To stay competitive, 93% of designers have pursued AI training. Designers commonly use AI tools for image and video generation (67%), content creation (51%), and AI-powered design software (45%), showcasing AI’s role in boosting efficiency and innovation.

However, ethical concerns remain. While 65% view AI as ethical, 24% disagree, and concerns about copyright (55%), originality (46%), bias (34%), and privacy (41%) persist. Most designers (81%) are restricted to employer-approved AI tools, reflecting companies’ recognition of the need for ethical standards.

Designers favor AI for specific tasks like generating ideas (74%), client communications (51%), and repetitive tasks (43%), but 68% prefer human oversight for final design decisions.

Preferences for human vs. AI-generated designs are evenly split (46% each), with junior designers more inclined toward AI. Regarding attribution, 59% are comfortable taking credit for AI-assisted designs, though 38% express discomfort.

See the full infographic below…

Do you subscribe to Piccalilli? You should. If you’re reading that name for the first time, that would be none other than Andy Bell running the ship and he’s reimagined the site from the ground-up after coming out of hibernation this year. You’re likely familiar with Andy’s great writing here on CSS-Tricks.

Andy is more than a great writer — he’s a teacher, too. And you’ll get to see that in spades next week when his brand-new course Andy is more than a great writer — he’s a teacher, too. And you’ll see that in spades next week when his brand-new course Complete CSS is released one week from today on November 26.

As someone who also runs a front-end course, I can tell you it takes a non-trivial amount of time and effort to put something like Complete CSS together. I’ve been able to sneak peek at the course and like love how it’s made for many CSS-Tricks readers — you know CSS and use it regularly but need to ratchet it up from good to great. If my course is for those just getting into CSS, Andy will graduate you from hobbyist to practitioner in Complete CSS. It’s the perfect next step for narrowing the ever-growing learning gaps in this industry.

Early bird price is £189 (~$240) which is a steep cut from the full £249 (~$325) price tag.

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Complete CSS Course originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.

What’s Wrong With Your Translation Strategy?

For businesses to reach international audiences in today’s global marketplace, having an efficient, updated, and scalable translation strategy is important. However, many companies still rely on outdated methods that may no longer meet modern demands. Whether you’re a translation company, localization project manager, or a business with frequent multilingual content needs, it’s important to recognize the signs that indicate it’s time for an AI upgrade. This article explores 5 key indicators that your translation strategy might need some help from AI technology—and how utilizing it can simplify your operations.

1. Slow Turnaround Times

If your translation projects consistently miss deadlines or take too long to finish, it’s a clear sign that your strategy might be outdated. Traditional methods that rely solely on human translators can be very slow, especially when handling large volumes of content or scaling operations.

AI-powered tools can significantly quicken this process. William Spalding, Localization Senior Project Manager at Spotify, highlights the need for efficiency in translation workflows, stating, “The buyer lacks understanding, oversight, and control of their quality while the seller struggles to meet quality expectations because the buyer is too hands-off, and the linguists don’t have the support or feedback they need.” 

2. Quality Consistency Issues

Inconsistent quality is also a common problem when human translators work without the support of advanced tools. If you find that the quality of translations varies across projects or languages, it’s another strong indication that your current strategy may benefit from an AI upgrade. It can be challenging to maintain a consistent tone and accuracy, especially when multiple translators are involved or when the volume of content is too large to be handled manually.

AI tools help maintain consistency by using translation memories and glossaries, making sure that linguists and translators have the support they need to maintain quality across different and multiple projects. Chris Fetner, director of the Entertainment Globalization Association, points out that achieving perfection in translation can be expensive, but having high standards is necessary: “You want it to be very good, but when you try to go to perfection, the return on investment becomes uninteresting.” AI provides a solution to this problem by ensuring a consistent and high level of quality while simultaneously reducing the burden on human resources.

3. Difficulty Scaling Operations

It’s also a sign to upgrade your translation strategy if you continue to struggle with handling increasing volumes of content or adapting to new languages. Outdated methodologies often fail to offer the scalability needed for expanding businesses, making it difficult to meet the growing demand efficiently.

Neil Patel, founder of Neil Patel Digital, notes that “there is already a lot of content in English but not enough in other languages, even though the majority of the people in this world don’t speak English.” AI-powered solutions are essential for businesses looking to expand globally, as they can automate large-scale processes and manage multiple languages simultaneously, allowing companies to scale operations without significantly increasing costs or compromising quality.

4. High Costs Without a Proportionate Return on Investment (ROI)

It’s also important to examine if your increasing translation costs are bringing any improvement in your ROI. Because if not, that’s another clear sign that your current approach might not be that sustainable for the long run. It can be very difficult to manage multiple languages and complex content without the support of AI, which could make businesses find themselves investing heavily without seeing significant gains in efficiency or quality.

Robert Casten Carlberg, CEO of Nuanxed, emphasizes the importance of evolving methodologies: “[While translators are] essential in maintaining high-quality literature in translation, [their] methodologies will need to evolve alongside technological advancements. Integrating AI into the translators’ toolbox [will enhance productivity] without sacrificing creativity or quality.” AI not only helps reduce costs by automating repetitive tasks but also improves the productivity of human translators, thus improving overall ROI.

5. Limited Language Capabilities

Now, if your strategy is still limited to a few languages or struggles with specialized content, it’s another clear sign that an AI upgrade is necessary. As companies expand into new regions and countries, the demand for diverse language capabilities and specialized expertise increases. Relying solely on human translators without the support of AI can make it difficult to meet these demands.

Ofer Tirosh, CEO of Tomedes, a translation company, notes that “AI isn’t just the future—it’s already reshaping how translation companies deliver exceptional services today.” By incorporating AI, businesses can easily handle a broader range of languages and specialized content, such as legal or technical documents.

It’s Time To Upgrade Now

If you recognize any of these signs in your current translation strategy, it may be time to consider integrating AI into your workflow. Whether it’s improving turnaround times, maintaining consistency, scaling up operations, managing costs, or expanding language capabilities, AI provides a solution to the challenges faced by today’s translation companies.

The integration of AI is becoming essential for businesses looking to stay competitive in the global market. The industry will just continue to evolve and change, which is why combining human expertise with advanced technology will ensure that companies can meet the demands of a diverse, multilingual world without any problems. If you are considering modernizing your translation processes, exploring AI tools such as Google Translate, MachineTranslation.com, DeepL, Reverso, and AITranslator.com may be the next major step in optimizing your strategy.

Featured image by Andrew Stutesman on Unsplash

As I sit down to write this article, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible changes sweeping through our industry. For the first time in my career, I feel like we’re no longer limited by our technology but by our imagination. Well, almost. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the web design landscape in ways we could only dream of a few years ago, and I’m excited to share with you how it’s supercharging our productivity across various aspects of our work.

AI Is A Partner, Not A Competitor

Now, before we dive in, let me assure you: AI isn’t here to replace us. At least, not for a while yet. There are still crucial areas where human expertise reigns supreme. AI struggles with strategic planning that considers the nuances of human behavior and market trends. It can’t match our emotional intelligence when navigating client relationships and team dynamics. And when it comes to creative thinking that pushes boundaries and creates truly innovative solutions, we humans still have the upper hand.

But here’s the exciting part: AI is becoming an invaluable tool that’s supercharging our productivity. Think of it as having a highly capable intern at your disposal. As the Nielsen Norman Group aptly put it in their article “AI as an Intern,” we need to approach AI tools with the right mindset. Double-check their work, use them for initial drafts rather than final products, and provide specific instructions and relevant context.

The key to harnessing AI’s power lies in working with it collaboratively.

Don’t expect perfect results on the first try. Instead, engage in a back-and-forth conversation, refining the AI output through iteration. This process of continuous improvement is where AI truly shines, dramatically speeding up our workflow.

Let’s explore how AI is reshaping different areas of our industry, looking at some of the many tools available to us.

AI In Design: Unleashing Creativity And Efficiency

In the realm of design, AI is proving to be a game-changer. It’s particularly adept at:

• Collaborating on layout;
• Generating the perfect image;
• Refining and adapting existing imagery.

Take AI in Figma, for instance. It’s become my go-to for generating dummy content and tidying up my layers. The time saved on these mundane tasks allows me to focus more on the creative aspects of design.

Generative imagery tools like Krea, which uses Flux, have revolutionized how we source visuals. Gone are the days of endlessly scrolling through stock libraries. Now, we can describe exactly what we need, and AI will create it for us. This level of customization and specificity is a game changer for creating unique, on-brand visuals.

Relume is another tool I’ve found incredibly useful. It’s great for a collaborative back-and-forth over designs or for quickly putting together designs for smaller sites. The ability to iterate rapidly with AI assistance has significantly sped up my design process.

And let’s not forget about Adobe. Their upcoming tools, such as lighting matching for composite images, are set to take our design capabilities to new heights. If you want to see more of what’s on the horizon, I highly recommend checking out the latest Adobe Max presentations.

AI In Coding: Boosting Developer Productivity

The impact of AI on coding is nothing short of revolutionary. According to a McKinsey study, developers using AI tools performed coding tasks like code generation, refactoring, and documentation 20%-50% faster on average compared to those not using AI tools. That’s a significant productivity boost!

AI is helping developers in several key areas:

• Coding faster;
• Debugging more efficiently;
• Automatically generating code comments;
• Writing basic code.

To put this into perspective, AI now writes 25% of the code at Google. That’s a staggering figure from one of the world’s leading tech companies.

Tools like Cursor AI and GitHub Copilot are at the forefront of this revolution, offering features such as:

• AI pair programming with predictive code edits;
• Natural language code editing;
• Chat interfaces for asking questions and getting help.

I’ve personally been amazed by what ChatGPT 01-Preview can do. I’ve used it to build simple WordPress plugins in minutes, tasks that would have taken me significantly longer in the past.

AI In UX: Enhancing User Research And Analysis

In the field of User Experience (UX), AI is opening up new possibilities for research and analysis. It’s allowing us to:

• Conduct user research at scale;
• Analyze open-ended qualitative feedback;
• Query analytic data using natural language;
• Predict user behavior.

I’ve found ChatGPT to be an invaluable tool for data analysis, particularly when it comes to making sense of analytics and survey responses. It can quickly identify patterns and insights that might take us hours to uncover manually.

Tools like Strella are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in user research. AI can now perform user interviews at scale, allowing us to gather insights from a much larger pool of users than ever before.

Attention Insight is another fascinating tool. It uses AI to predict where people will look on a page, providing valuable data for optimizing layouts and user interfaces.

Microsoft Clarity has also upped its game, allowing us to ask questions about our analytic insights, heatmaps, and session recordings. This natural language interface makes it easier than ever to extract meaningful insights from our data.

AI In Copywriting: Elevating Content Quality And Efficiency

When it comes to copywriting, AI is proving to be a powerful ally. It’s helping us:

• Transform poor-quality stakeholder content into web-optimized copy;
• Brainstorm value propositions and create high-converting copy;
• Craft compelling business cases and strategy documentation;
• Write standard operating procedures.

Notion AI has become one of my go-to tools for content creation. It combines the best of ChatGPT and Claude, allowing it to draw upon a wide range of provided source material to write detailed documentation, articles, and reports.

ChatGPT has been a game-changer for improving the quality of website copy. It can take user questions and bullet-point answers from subject specialists and transform them into web-optimized content. I’ve found it particularly useful for defining value propositions and writing high-converting copy.

For refining existing content, the Hemingway Editor is invaluable. It can take the existing copy and make it clearer, more concise, and easier to scan — essential qualities for effective web content.

AI In Administration: Streamlining Mundane Tasks

AI isn’t just transforming the technical aspects of our work; it’s also making a significant impact on those mundane administrative tasks that often eat up our time. By leveraging AI, we can streamline various aspects of our daily workflow, allowing us to focus more on high-value activities.

Here are some ways AI is helping us tackle administrative tasks more efficiently:

• Getting our thoughts down faster;
• Writing better emails;
• Summarizing long emails or Slack threads;
• Speeding up research;
• Backing up arguments with relevant data.

Let me share some personal experiences with AI tools that have transformed my administrative workflow:

I’ve dramatically increased my writing speed using Flow. This tool has taken me from typing at 49 words per minute to dictating at over 95 words per minute. Not only does it allow me to dictate, but it also tidies up my words to ensure they read well and are grammatically correct.

For email writing, I’ve found Fixkey to be invaluable. It helps me rewrite or reformat copy quickly. I’ve even set up a prompt that tones down my emails when I’m feeling particularly irritable, ensuring they sound reasonable and professional.

Dealing with long email threads or Slack conversations can be time-consuming. That’s where Spark comes in handy. It summarizes lengthy threads, saving me valuable time. Interestingly, this feature is now built into iOS for all notifications, making it even more accessible.

When it comes to research, Google Notebook LLM has been a game-changer. I can feed it large amounts of data on a subject and quickly extract valuable insights. This tool has significantly sped up my research process.

Lastly, if I need to back up an argument with a statistic or quote, Perplexity has become my go-to resource. It quickly finds relevant sources I can quote, adding credibility to my work without the need for extensive manual searches.

Conclusion: Embracing AI For A More Productive Future

As I wrap up this article, I realize I’ve only scratched the surface of what AI can do for our industry. The real challenge isn’t in the technology itself but in breaking out of our established routines and taking the time to experiment with what’s possible.

I believe we need to cultivate a new habit: pausing before each new task to consider how AI could help us approach it differently. The winners in this new reality will be those who can best integrate this technology into their workflow.

AI isn’t replacing us — it’s empowering us to work smarter and more efficiently. By embracing these tools and learning to collaborate effectively with AI, we can focus more on the aspects of our work that truly require human creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change, don’t worry. We’re all learning and adapting together. Remember, the goal isn’t to become an AI expert overnight but to gradually incorporate these tools into your work in ways that make sense for you and your projects.