CSS OFF
Yesterday, I had my first attempt at CSS Off, a web design contest where they provide a Photoshop layout and you have 24 hours to produce the best web page from that you can. As it turns out this is harder than it sounds.
The contest started at 6 this morning, UK Time, so a few hours after that I downloaded the site design. On this occasion the footer was omitted so the contestants could add their own. I gather this is the first time there was a design element.
When I design a site I generally do it with the required CSS in mind. That makes taking an unseen design, and figuring out what to do with it, much harder.
In this challenge the key content, the reviews, seemed to me to be tabular data; however, having decided that the layout should have element of fluidity to it I needed to figure out how to set transparent expandable drop shadows on a table. I spent several hours going down the wrong route, trying to avoid using DIV tags and ended up backing myself into a corner. Eventually it seemed that using DIV tags for layout was the only way I could get it in done in time so I went back to drawing board.
Long story short, I ran out of time, or rather was too tired to finish it, so I didn’t submit it. I hadn’t sorted out IE6, print stylesheets, or written the Javascript for the expanding sections. Despite not having finished it it was a really interesting experience and I expect I will have a go again. It is a really good way to keep in touch with methods that you might not used on a regular basis so I would recommend anyone else to have a go.
I uploaded the site as it was when I threw in the towel early this morning, so you can see my CSS Off attempt there.
JD Graffam comments:
Andrew, I’m glad you enjoyed the contest, even if you didn’t enter. You are very talented. This particular comp was very challenging. I hope you’ll submit next time around!
28th September 2007 , 15:29
Andrew Rickmann comments:
Thanks JD.
I certainly intend to submit it next time. Now I have a better idea of what to expect I think I out to make it.
28th September 2007 , 20:14