In this episode of the WP Builds Podcast, Nathan Wrigley and David Waumsley discuss the significant and evolving role of AI on the web, focusing on the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) new report titled "AI and the Web, Understanding and Managing the Impact of Machine Learning Models on the Web". The episode delves into AI's dual challenges: data quality and environmental impact. We explore ethical and societal implications, such as privacy, transparency, and the potential for AI to undermine human creativity and entry-level jobs. We also address the importance of standards, regulatory frameworks, and Tim Berners-Lee's optimistic vision of AI, emphasising the need for collaborative and ethical AI development. Go listen...

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 8th July 2024. You can find the post here: https://wpbuilds.com/2024/07/16/this-week-in-wordpress-302

Innovative affiliate marketer Alex Standiford discusses Siren Affiliates, a unique plugin revolutionizing affiliate programs. Topics include customizable programs, bug bounty strategies, relationship building, WordPress plugin integration, user interface customization, GDPR compliance, and sponsor highlights.

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 1st July 2024. You can find it here: https://wpbuilds.com/2024/07/09/this-week-in-wordpress-301

On the podcast today, David Waumsley and I go a journey through the evolution of web typography! We both admit to feeling a mix of intrigue and intimidation toward typography, traditionally seen as the realm of design experts. We start by acknowledging the historical constraints of web typography and the relevance of its principles, despite the shift to the digital age. We then get into modern practices, such as responsive design and the shift from pixels to rems. We also explore new web typography features, including font size adjust, kerning, and scroll animations, while emphasising the significance of accessibility and internationalisation, particularly for non-Latin languages. Fluid typography and its benefits, like proportional font size changes, are highlighted, along with tools such as the Utopia CSS generator for creating cohesive designs. The practicalities of ensuring readability through proper spacing and underlining are also explored. We wrap up with a look at the shift from system fonts to the abundance of Google Fonts, highlighting the importance of readability and clarity in contemporary web design. For anyone interested in the nuances of modern web typography and responsive design, this episode is for you.

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 24th June 2024. You can find it here: https://wpbuilds.com/2024/07/02/this-week-in-wordpress-300

In podcast episode #378 of WP Builds, Aaron Edwards discusses his DocsBot AI, a chatbot plugin designed for WordPress customer support. Edwards, former CTO of WPMUDev, shares his journey into AI, highlighting his work on the Imajinn plugin and his pivot to developing DocsBot AI. This AI-based SaaS integrates with various content sources to train custom bots, automating customer ticket responses while ensuring GDPR compliance. The episode covers the technical aspects, integration capabilities, pricing, and future potentials of AI in customer service, making it a valuable listen for WordPress developers and business owners seeking to streamline support workflows.

The WordPress news from the last week which commenced Monday 17th June 2024 with Remkus de Vries, Birgit Pauli-Haack, Birgit Olzem. You can find the show here: https://wpbuilds.com/2024/06/25/this-week-in-wordpress-299

Today we discuss advancements in web image standards and new CSS features. Topics include object fit, aspect ratio, border images, filters, clip path, mask-image, and backdrop filters, which offer alternatives to traditional image editing tools like Photoshop. The episode also covers HTML and CSS considerations, such as img and picture elements, alt tags, and loading attributes. New image formats like WebP and AVIF are examined, along with the use of SVGs for accessibility and performance benefits. Go listen...

In Podcast #376, guest Piccia Neri, a seasoned designer and long-time collaborator with WP Builds, discusses the evolution of her career and the critical role of accessibility in web design. Initially a book designer, Piccia adapted her skills to the digital age, emphasizing accessibility as essential for good UX. The episode explores the importance of starting web design with content and typography, driven by ethical considerations and upcoming legislation like the European Accessibility Act. Piccia shares actionable insights on accessible typography, HTML structuring, and how accessible design can boost SEO. Listeners are offered valuable resources, including a free accessibility primer and workshops.