Web Standards Pioneer

Author • Conference Organizer • Developer

With a background in computer science and mathematics, my life collided with the web in the early 1990s. For nearly 30 years, I've developed software, written influential articles and books, and spoken globally about web standards, design, and the future of technology.

Explore My Work

Currently

Web Directions Events 2025

Planning our extensive lineup of conferences covering the leading edge of web development, JavaScript, CSS, design, and engineering leadership.

Conffab Development

Building our streaming platform for conferences and conference videos - much more than just watching videos.

Speaking Engagements

Continuing to share insights on web standards, responsive design, and technology evolution at conferences worldwide.

A Dao of Web Design

In April 2000, I published what would become one of the most influential articles in web design history. This essay outlined the idea that the Web is its own medium, and we must embrace its characteristics, not criticize them as bugs.

"A manifesto for anyone working on the web"
— Jeremy Keith

Cited as a key inspiration for Responsive Web Design by Ethan Marcotte, it foresaw the mobile web revolution and the need for flexible, adaptable design a decade ahead of its time.

Read the Article

Web Directions Conferences

Co-founder of Australia's premier web development conference series. What began as grassroots events focusing on web standards and accessibility now covers the leading edge of web technology.

Current Conferences

Conffab Platform

Conffab is our innovative streaming platform for conferences, offering live streams and on-demand presentations. It's designed to be much more than just watching videos - it's about creating meaningful connections and learning experiences.

The platform represents the future of conference experiences, combining the accessibility of digital with the engagement of in-person events.

Books

Over the years, I've written and contributed to several influential books that have helped shape web development practices and educated thousands of developers worldwide.

Developing with Web Standards

A companion to Jeffrey Zeldman's legendary "Designing with Web Standards"

Published in November 2009, this comprehensive technical guide covers HTML and XHTML (including HTML5), CSS (including CSS3), the DOM, SVG, Canvas, accessibility and much more. Designed for both first-timers and web professionals, it's a huge, detailed, and comprehensive resource.

2009 Technical Guide
View on Amazon

Microformats: Empowering Your Markup for Web 2.0

A pioneering exploration of microformats and semantic markup. This book helped establish the foundations for structured data on the web, long before it became mainstream.

Semantic Web
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Smashing Book 5: Real Life Responsive Web Design

Contributing Author

Contributed a chapter on offline web technology to this acclaimed collection. The book showcases real-world responsive design solutions and advanced techniques.

Contribution
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Writing & Publications

Articles & Essays

For nearly 30 years, I've written extensively on the web, technology, and their intersection. My work has appeared in leading publications and has helped shape how we think about web development.

Beyond "A Dao of Web Design," I've contributed to industry discourse on web standards, accessibility, responsive design, and the evolution of web technologies.

Industry Impact

My writing has influenced a generation of web developers and designers, helping establish best practices and philosophical approaches that continue to guide the industry today.

From technical tutorials to philosophical essays about the nature of the web, my work spans the full spectrum of web development discourse.

Speaking

I speak regularly at conferences and events around the world, sharing insights on web standards, design philosophy, and technology evolution.

Upcoming Engagement

CSS Day - Amsterdam, NL
June 5th and 6th, 2025

Speaking Topics

  • Web Standards and Best Practices
  • The Philosophy of Web Design
  • Responsive Design Principles
  • HTML5, CSS3, and Modern JavaScript
  • Accessibility and Inclusive Design
  • The Future of Web Technologies

Biography

With a background in computer science and mathematics, John Allsopp's career has been defined by a commitment to web standards and thoughtful design philosophy. His influential writing and speaking have helped shape how developers and designers approach web development.

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Contact

John Allsopp

Web Directions
→ Bluesky → Mastodon → LinkedIn
John Allsopp