One thing I’ve been meaning to try for a while is web development.
Inspired by a coworker lending me Getting Real by 37signals, I’ve had another look at some of the applications I’d previously considered too big. The reason I considered them too big was not because they are really that big, but because everyone considers a “sellable product” in this category big. Is it, really? Have I been accepting as truth an invalid assumption?
I think a web application with fewer features (but a better design) would not only be useful, but might even be better. Starting with few features and growing the site more organically really appeals to me.
After enumerating the major components of the application, I set down to drawing some screens. I tried doing this on index cards at first, but I found using HTML helped me visualize it more. So I tried just mocking up HTML files, soon discovered that a little PHP (not much, just a sprinkle) made it easier to build the screens and keep them consistent with each other.
I’m having fun. This should keep me busy on weekends for a while.