The Quest for a Better Web

After years of encouragement, I've curated a comprehensive resources page focused on performance and platform-oriented web development. This collection—spanning over 250 entries—serves as a definitive guide for developers prioritizing speed, user-centric design, and modern tooling. It emerged from a recurring need in professional circles and my own deep dive into optimization challenges, blending essential references, foundational reading, and a vibrant blogroll. An OPML export is also available, allowing seamless integration with feed readers.

Key Observations from the Front Lines

Compiling this resource revealed striking trends among top-tier developers:

  • CSS/HTML/SVG Mastery: The creative boundaries of modern browsers were on full display. Artists like Ana Tudor, Jhey Tompkins, and Bramus Van Damme leverage CSS Grid, custom properties, and SVG animations to build interactive experiences without JavaScript bloat. As noted:

    "The things creative folks can do today with CSS, HTML, and SVG in good browsers is astonishing."

    Platforms like CodePen host countless examples, such as generative art experiments and physics-based animations, proving complex effects needn't rely on heavy frameworks.

  • Static Site Generators Dominate: A clear preference emerged for 11ty (Eleventy) and Astro among experts. These tools provide:

    • Near-instant build times via incremental regeneration
    • Zero client-side JavaScript overhead by default
    • Flexible content pipelines (Markdown, WebC components)

    React, Next.js, and similar meta-frameworks were conspicuously absent from personal sites of performance-focused developers. This signals a broader industry shift toward lean architectures that prioritize control and loading efficiency.

  • RSS/Atom Renaissance: Feed readers aren't just functional—they're beautiful. Elaborate XSLT styling transforms raw XML into visually rich experiences, as seen in Elly Loel's work. This reflects a resurgence in decentralized content consumption, contrasting sharply with algorithm-driven platforms.

  • Whimsy as a Core Value: Webrings, guestbooks, and ASCII art flourish beneath the surface, challenging the sterility of corporate web practices. These elements foster community and nostalgia, reinforcing that user delight needn't be sacrificed for performance.

Why This Matters for Developers

The dominance of SSGs underscores a critical principle: developer autonomy enhances user experience. Tools like 11ty and Astro eliminate runtime dependencies, enabling:

// Astro’s partial hydration example
import InteractiveComponent from '../components/Interactive.astro';

<!-- Zero JS by default -->
<InteractiveComponent client:load />

Meanwhile, advanced CSS techniques reduce reliance on third-party libraries, cutting bundle sizes and improving Core Web Vitals. Case studies from the curated list demonstrate how properties like aspect-ratio and @container queries enable responsive designs without JavaScript crutches.

This resource collection isn’t just a reference—it’s a manifesto for rebuilding a web that prioritizes people over pixels. As one developer reflected:

"Sitting with their work gives me hope, and I hope their inspiration can spark something similar for you."

_Curated by Alex Russell_