We still have one more day of SXSW Interactive, but I figure with the bulk of it behind us, let’s look at some the highlights so far.

Web Anywhere: Mobile Optimization With HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript

Bruce Lawson knows his stuff, and really calls out some philosophical problems many developers (myself including) carry around with us. He quickly dismisses the idea of a “mobile web” or a “tablet web”, and makes a pretty strong case against separate sites for mobile users. Many of the new technologies in HTML5 can be used to progressively enhance the web experience, especially for smarter mobile browsers, without causing problems for older browsers. Javascript libraries, he argues, have become a crutch for many developers who should maybe write their own code if possible to avoid sending heavy JS files across the wire. Most of this stuff I already knew, but Bruce really brought it all together and made me think about the diverse needs of all web users.

Designing iPad Interfaces – New Navigation Schemas

I had no idea what to expect here, but Lynn Teo changed the way I approach iPad design. Before, I think I conceptualized the iPad as really just an iPhone with more screen space. Lynn describes the iPad (and similar tablets) as a new form factor, and as such it has its own set of rules for what works from a design perspective. After going through some theory, she jumped into some real-life iPad design samples that seemed to be pretty powerful. Her presentation sure kicked the pants off of Microsoft’s boring follow-up “The Future of Touch User Interface Design” talk.

Creative JavaScript and HTML(5) Visual Effects

2+ hours of what can be done with HTML5 canvas. Creating Flash-like graphics with javascript is a pretty exciting notion, and Seb Lee-Delisle walked us through how to start doing this. Sadly, though, until IE supports it, canvas will only be able to be used for non-essential bells and whistles. Maybe in a few years time that will change.

CSS3: Beyond the Basics

This panel had a LOT of ground to cover; there is so much to be done with CSS3, and it changes almost on a weekly basis. I learned a couple of new things about gradients, including a way to create a very simple faux column effect. I had no idea about background-size, which is something I’ve always had to with some nasty javascript. I took pages of notes and picked up a couple new css tricks to add to my arsenal. While there are still some holes in terms of browser support of CSS3, many of these techniques can be used in a progressive enhancement fashion, gracefully degrading in IE. And for webkit mobile browsers, these tricks are ready to use.