At the heart of Home Assistant Guide, there lies a steadfast commitment to minimalism. This guiding principle ensures that the website remains uncluttered and free from unnecessary distractions. As a result, the pages are adorned with only the most essential elements: a succinct introduction and the core content, with images taking a back seat. Wherever possible, SVGs are the preferred choice to maintain this minimalist aesthetic.
The need for speed
The most significant benefit of adopting a minimalist approach is the lightning-fast performance of the website. From its inception, Home Assistant Guide has been fine-tuned to deliver an optimized user experience. This has been made possible by harnessing the power of WordPress and employing the GeneratePress theme to maintain a lightweight structure. As a self-taught enthusiast, I take great pride in the results I've achieved.
In order to share the lessons learned, and the tweaks made along the way, I will pen a concise article detailing the changes implemented on the website. This will serve as a testament to the minimalist philosophy that underpins Home Assistant Guide and will provide valuable insights for those seeking to create their own streamlined online presence.
Embracing accessibility with a subtle redesign
Over the past few weeks, a gentle transformation has swept across Home Assistant Guide, perhaps so subtle that it may have eluded your notice. I've introduced a softer, more delicate colour palette, embracing the current vogue for pastel hues.
These pastel shades not only offer a refreshing aesthetic, but also provide enhanced contrast when paired with black text. Consequently, Home Assistant Guide now adheres to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2 Level AA. Were it not for the presence of our signature dark-blue hue, the design would even be compliant with Level AAA.
Introducing the Home Assistant Guide Newsletter
With the ever-growing popularity of Home Assistant Guide, the desire to launch a newsletter covering Home Assistant, ESPHome, and the wider smart home landscape has been brewing. Today, I'm delighted to announce the arrival of the Home Assistant Guide Newsletter.
Delivering the latest news and guides straight to your inbox, our missive will grace your email no more than once a week. Rest assured, I have no intention of selling your data or bombarding you with spam. And should you wish to part ways, the option to unsubscribe will always be readily accessible.
Crossing the pond for swifter browsing
Once upon a time, Home Assistant Guide found its humble abode on cyon, a Swiss web host. Though cyon's offerings were commendable and their support team nothing short of exceptional, it dawned on me that a change was necessary. With the majority of my visitors hailing from the USA, it became increasingly clear that a server closer to their shores would better serve our needs.
The quest for a new host led me to explore a myriad of options, but ultimately, Kinsta emerged as the winner. Having garnered recommendations from various corners of the internet, Kinsta has thus far exceeded expectations. This new partnership not only streamlines my workflow, allowing me to focus on crafting content, but also promises a smoother, more enjoyable browsing experience for you, dear reader!
