RobKnight

We come across many cool tricks as we search for solutions in web design. At my work, we are constantly trying out new things and seeing how we can enhance the user experience on the web. In the last year or so, Javascript has emerged from the dust of 1999 to make a graceful comeback into web design. This isn’t the Javascript of old. No rollover images, flying icons and fullscreen popups. This is slick, accessible code written for nice effects and a more user-friendly experience.

One such example is ThickBox. Thickbox is a Javascript tool that allows images and HTML content to be displayed in a virtual “lightbox” right in the current browser window without refreshing the page, sending the user to a different page, or popping up a new page. The effect is so sweet, it’ll rock your boots.

We’ve been itching to use this on several of our clients’ sites. But, as with all tools, it is best to use things for the right purpose and not simply because they are cool. This being my personal site, I’m free to use gratuitous displays of Javascript coolness with reckless abandon.

Try it out.