June 3 Web Dev Notes

Today I learned:

  • (More of a realization) The Learn to Code LA meetup group seriously needs more photos! I better start using my good camera more often.
  • I can make so many sketches in just 25 minutes! I need to do this more often, because I can work through ideas so much faster this way!

Learn to Code LA website sketches

Tasks completed:

  • Spent 25 minutes sketching ideas for the meetup website.

Tasks not completed:

  • Despite setting this as a goal for today, I didn't implement any of the features for the website or answer any of my own questions yet. (I'm hoping to work on that tonight if I have time.) My excuse: I had a terrible headache this morning.

Questions:

  • How do I make a full-width header image with text on top of it?
  • How do I make a responsive navigation menu (ideally without any JavaScript)?
  • How do I make a simple grid-based layout?
  • How do I properly implement a "vertical rhythm" for web typography?
  • How do I determine which fonts to use and which ones look good together?
  • How do I decide on a color scheme for the website?

Obstacles: Third day in a row I've had a headache, which I now think might be eyestrain. Argh! Maybe I finally need glasses.

Solutions to try next: Take more frequent breaks to look away from the screen. (And make an appointment for an eye exam.)

**Follow-up on yesterday's problem and solution: ** Writing down a couple specific goals last night defnitely made it easier to start working this morning. I also had a little more caffeine, which helped for a little while. But my morning was still derailed by this awful headache!

Goals for tomorrow:

  • Implement the full-width header image with the title, tagline/description, and a big, beautiful "Join Us!" button.
  • Take notes on all the HTML/CSS stuff I learn in the process.
  • If I finish that, spend some more time learning about and practicing my CSS positioning skills.