Structuring And Serving Styles For Older Browsers
People still use old browsers. This doesn’t mean we can’t use modern browser features. Ethan explains how we can use them responsibly.
Read MoreBrowsing Being well-built yields longevity.
Grunt: Automated Testing
With a look into our evolving JavaScript testing methods, Patrick shares how we are using Mocha, Jasmine, and Grunt.
Read MoreStuntman: The Testing App
It may not have an American flag cape or sequined jumpsuit, but Rob's new testing app has some pretty fun tricks up its sleeve. Take it for a test drive. Test all the things.
Read MoreOur New Build Process
Almost all of our projects have an element of HTML/CSS/JS templating. The pursuit of a better project starting point is never-ending, and we feel we've taken a big step forward during the Sparkbox web rebuild.
Read MoreThere Is No Breakpoint
What breakpoints should we use in responsive web design? As commonly as it's asked, this may be the wrong question. Join Ben as he tumbles down the rabbit hole beyond the breakpoint.
Read MorePlanning To Rebuild: Part 2
A mantra around the Sparkbox office: "wait until the last responsible moment." Rob Harr explains how this applies to the technical direction of our site rebuild.
Read MoreHow Should We Write Media Queries?
A look at how the web community has been writing media queries — and perhaps how we should write them.
Read MoreAttempting “not print”
Ben has been working with Bearded's Matt Griffin on the best way to write media queries, and they are now looking for your help.
Read MoreBreakpoint Checking in Javascript with CSS User Values
With a fire lit under us from one Jeremy Keith, we present a way to check for media query breakpoints in JavaScript without using matchMedia or onResize events – including the passing of user-defined strings. Keen!
Read MoreWebsite Performance: The New Old Frontier
What is old is new again, and it really will affect the way you build websites. Rob Harr boldly takes us to where we've been before.
Read MoreHelpful Sass Mixins
Pull up a stool while Professor Rossi drops some Sass knowledge all up in here.
Read MoreCracking the Code For a Numeric Keyboard
Rob Tarr is on a mission. Destination: proper numeric keyboard.
Read MoreCode Retreat Roundup: GitHub Toolbox
Rob and Rob spent a thrilling day practicing code, and they came back with a cache of GitHub goodness.
Read MoreDemystifying PCI Compliance
Rob has done his homework. He provides a good place to start yours.
Read MoreLook Out, Austin: Sparkbox Speaking at SXSW
Sparkbox's Rob Tarr will be joining the SXSW festivities in March. You should too!
Read MoreJavaScript: The Elephant in the Room of Progressive Enhancement
Does JavaScript have a place in the world of progressive enhancement? Rob weighs the arguments.
Read MoreRecent Launch: The Passion Center for Children Website
The Passion Center for Children serves children orphaned by the AIDS epidemic in Malawi, Africa.
Read MoreFix Your Position: Even In iOS 4
Rob Tarr shares about detecting postion:fixed in the browser—trying to find a solution that will work with iOS 4.
Read MoreRecent Launch: University System of Maine Campaign Website
Working with the University System of Maine and their marketing partner, Mindpower, we bring their Think.Maine campaign to life on the web.
Read MoreBring Your Problems and Check Your Solutions at the Door
Rob Harr talks about our greatest service to clients, problem solving.
Read MoreOrganizing Your Code @ SXSW
As a developer, I don't want to wade through lines and lines of code sludge to find a bug or add a new feature. Check out this SXSW panel proposal if you'd like to help promote conversation about writing cleaning code with better practices.
Read MoreStructuring a Responsive Stylesheet
Organizing your stylesheet is difficult enough. Adding responsiveness adds a whole new level of complexity. Take a basic look at how we've done it on past projects.
Read MoreBetter Rails APIs with RABL
As web development is changing, I am finding that I have more JSON APIs than ever before––leaving me with too much code in my Rails controllers.
Read MoreServer Language Mash-Up
Is it okay to mix and match server languages for a single solution?
Read MoreWhy I Like Lists in Nav Elements
Ryan and I have been debating the use of lists in the HTML nav element. Read my take on why it's beneficial to use lists.
Read MoreWhy I Don’t Like Lists in Nav Elements
Last week in the Sparkbox office, the question came up whether or not it is necessary to use lists inside the HTML5 nav element.
Read MoreDuck Punching jQuery’s Trim Method
Modifying jQuery.trim to accept other characters besides just whitespace. By doing this in your code, your changes will persist, even when upgrading to a different jQuery version.
Read MoreTargeting iPhone 4’s Retina Display with Media Queries
Here's how to target the iPhone 4 in a media query and replace the background images with hi res images.
Read MoreJavaScript Last
JavaScript should enhance the usability of a website, not make it unusable. This is why we build our JavaScript last.
Read MoreHistory.pushstate and Progressive Enhancement
My first-hand experience with progressive enhancement and history.pushstate for newer browsers. Sometimes the simplest solution is the best.
Read MoreDesigning for 600
Where do you start when designing for a responsive site? First instinct is to start with the largest size, but we found the widest column is the key.
Read MorejQuery Selector Performance Testing
Testing the chaining of jQuery find/children methods vs. chaining the selector of one method.
Read MoreData Visualization with HTML
Sparkbox's methods in providing real-time data visualization for the Dayton Power & Light Solar Array Kiosk.
Read MoreSelecting a Website Design Firm: Part 2
When looking for a website design firm, make sure they address accessibility and adhere to Web-Standards.
Read MoreBe Prepared
If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six sharpening my ax.Abraham Lincoln
Selecting a Website Design Firm: An Introduction
How do you find a company that you can trust, that knows their stuff, that’s easy to work with, and who can give you results? There are a few things you can do to qualify the companies you’re considering working with.
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