Responsive web design finally arrives

26 days ago | Comment(0)

After some trial and error, the Wehtam homepage now supports a responsive layout. I still need to finish off some bells and whistles but the core functionality is there. A responsive layout (commonly known as responsive web design) is when a website’s layout dynamically adapts to the device it is being displayed upon.

The stylesheet will contain a series of conditions, each tests the maximum width the current device can display, if the device width is less than 450px, the mobile stylesheet is invoked. If the display can support a width of 1024px, then the standard desktop stylesheet is invoked.

This responsive nature can be seen live by simply viewing the website in a browser window and then gradually reducing the width of the window, you will see the website adapts to the shrinking sizes.
The advantage of responsive web design is that your website provides all the same juicy content regardless of the phone, tablet or computer you are using.

The Scirra Arcade

139 days ago | Comment(0)

This morning I uploaded Access All in its current form to the Scirra Arcade. I have kept it close to my chest during early production and now I feel some feedback would make a welcome change.

The first three levels are accessible along with most supporting layouts i.e Game Over and Mission Brief screens. Hopefully the game will generate some helpful comments regarding game-play, difficulty and any bugs found.

The HTML5 game project

142 days ago | Comment(0)

As previously mentioned, I am creating a HTML5 game. The tool I am using to help me accomplish such a task is Construct 2 by Scirra. I have to say, this program is amazing. Drop and drag functionality, an incredibly intuitive workflow and solid output, I would recommend it to anyone seeking to venture into the world of game creation.

The game I am working on is called Access All, a tank warfare game on a virtual battleground. The visuals are mostly created in Adobe Illustrator, thanks to the pixel preview mode in Illustrator CS5 I can finally ensure my vector exports are faithfully reproduced into bitmap equivalents.

Construct2 is still in beta, but don’t let the “b” word put a shiver down your spine. In its current state the product is smooth, responsive and an all round pleasure to use.

I will try to add regular updates on the game progress here, although I am infamous for sporadic blog entries. The game will be free to play and I’m hoping to give it a decent amount of levels for its initial launch.

New look, again...

144 days ago | Comment(0)

So with only a few months of having the previous Wehtam.co.uk theme, we’re already sporting a new look. The reason? I just didn’t like it!

I started the previous theme with the best intentions; to create a blog that mirrored the visual identity of another side project I have been working on, an illustrated book no less. As the site progressed I started to lose interest in the dark, technological theme. The structure also mirrored every other blog format on the web and I didn’t want to look like a Wordpress blog.

The beauty of Textpattern is its ease of modification, within two days I was able to design, edit and rebuild the old theme into what you see before you. I wanted the new theme to let the content be the star of the show, a modular theme based on a series of floating DIVs, large image thumbnails and a right justified layout. Different, clean and simple.

It’s day two of the new design and I’m still a fan. There are still features I need to implement however, comments first and a responsive styesheet will eventually follow.
Initially I refrained from adding a background pattern, despite the recent fashion of subtle patterns, I might implement some form of dynamic background later on but it’s not vital to the theme.

Let's make a HTML5 game

176 days ago | Comment(1)

Pssst… After some research, extensive testing in the laboratory and a 9 hour written dissertation, I have come to the conclusion that I shall indeed create a HTML5 game. I will create this game using a recently discovered software package which will make the job approximately 1,000 times easier and quicker. More information as it comes…