5 HTML Elements That You Probably Don’t Know

In the past we have covered a lot about HTML5 elements as well as demonstrating their functions. New elements such as header, footer, aside, nav, and main make our document structure more semantic or “meaningful”. In particular, these elements help machines to easily understand sections within the document.

But, HTML specifications are huge. If you visit W3.org where the documentation resides, you will find hundreds of pages documenting each element extensively. To this extent, there are possibly a few HTML elements that you have overlooked, and those include:

1. Sample Element

Sample Element or samp defines the output from a computer system, a program or a script. It was introduced far back in HTML3!. This element will be useful for tech tutorials or computer manuals. This example below shows how we wrap an error that occurred in Terminal.

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1. If you type dir in Terminal, it will output <samp>command not found: dir</samp>.   

All browsers, including IE5, support this element, and they will display it with Monospace typeface like thecode and pre elements.

2. Keyboard Input Element

Keyboard Input Element or kbd is an element that defines a user input. Similar to the sampelement, kbd would be commonly used in tech or computer-related articles.

Say, you want to instruct readers to enter particular characters in an input field of an Application. You can wrap the text characters with kbd, as follows:

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1. To confirm deletion of your account, type <kbd>DELETE</kbd>.  

kbd can also be used to represent actual keyboard keys.

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1. Press <kbd>Enter</kbd> to create a new line.  

But when used along with the samp element, it could represent input that is conducted through the Application screen such as the buttons or menus. Here is one example:

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1. Click <kbd><samp>Agree</samp></kbd> to proceed.  

Even though kbd element is explicitly described as “Keyboard Input”, we can also use it for other input type, such as a voice input. If you write tutorials or manuals on Siri, Google Voice, or Cortana that allow us to communicate with the device using voice commands, wrap the voice input this way.

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1. ...the <kbd>Ok Google</kbd> hotword isn't actually disabled according to region   
2. and can be easily enabled in just two steps.  

Similar to samp, kbdalso outputs with Monospace typeface by default.

Styling Suggestion

These elements help machines understand the content better. But since they are all rendered with Monospace typeface, readers will hardly see the difference. In this case, we can add some styling to make them look more distinct.

We can add a class, for example button-input if it represents a keyboard key or an Application button.

Then, in CSS, we put the following style rules.

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1. .button-input {  
2.     border: 1px solid #333;  
3.     background: linear-gradient(#aaa 0%, #555 100%); /* W3C */  
4.     color: #fff;  
5.     padding: 3px 8px;  
6.     border-radius: 3px;  
7.     box-shadow: 0px 2px 0px 0px #111;  
8. }  

This will make it look like an actual button.

3. Variable Element

Variable Element or var, as the name implies, represents a variable character. This element may be useful to write tutorials or articles that comprise of mathematical equations, such as:

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1. <code>var <var>y</var> = Math.sqrt(16);</code>  

In the above example, we wrap the equation with code element, as the equation is a JavaScript code. We only wrap the character that is a variable with var element.

4. Defining Element

Defining element or dfn is used to highlight a jargon or a specific term that is particularly used in a community or an industry. Web Development industry, for instance, is full of jargon that may not be well known outside the industry.

And below is an example where we use dfn element to wrap the word Breadcrumb; we took the following sentence from Wikipedia.

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1. <dfn>Breadcrumbs</dfn> or <dfn>breadcrumb trail</dfn> is a navigation aid   
2. used in user interfaces. It allows users to keep track of their locations within programs or documents.   
3. The term comes from the trail of breadcrumbs left by Hansel and Gretel in the popular fairytale.  

Browsers display it in italic, corresponding to the typographic convention to denote a new instance, or a foreign term.

5. Mark Element

Mark is a new element introduced as part of HTML5. In short, mark is used to highlight text that you want readers to pay attention to. Thus, by default, browsers render this element with bright fluorescent color as you can see below.

For more, you can head over to its documentation, Text Level Semantic – Mark Element, where you can see some detailed examples on the usage.

20 Uniquely Designed Workstations & Office Desks

Next to the bed and our car, our workstation is probably one of the places where we spend most of our time. Who hasn’t ocassionally had to do lunch while they’re working, right? If that’s really the case, maybe it’s about time we spruced up our workstations. After all, your workspace reflects a lot about you. If you’re thinking of going with artsy frames and tasteful flower arrangements, put that aside. Instead, why not take a look at the bigger picture?

Here, we’ll share you with 20 uniquely designed workstations & office desks that’ll leave you amazed, inspired and perhaps even a little confused. Some of the designs are rather simple yet elegant while others are truly groundbreaking. Some are also more practical than others (we’ll let you be the judge). Whether you’re a workaholic that’s always on-the-move or a hardworking car buff, you’re bound to get some pretty great ideas here for your own workstation.

Surf Chair. The Surf Chair is a concept design made more for the comfort of the user. Users won’t have to sit upright to use the computer but instead be able to relax and meld into this uniquely designed chair/workstation.

Car Desk. The car desk uses an old car, strips it of all its components to leave it with its good looking exterior body which is then transformed into a work desk. It’s a cool concept for car enthusiasts who want an original workstation.

iClubby Workstation. The iClubby Workstation looks like the workstation of the future. No need for any tables to work on and it doesn’t take up much floor space. You can even customize your workstation to add more computer monitors or speakers.

Emperor Workstation. The Emperor Workstation resembles an alien spaceship. It can’t take you to outer space, but it’s built to have the ability to recline. And is teched out with in-built touch screens or buttons that lets you control what you see on the multi-monitor setup.

Paradise Desk. The Paradise desk has a carbon fiber top that looks great and compartments to hide cables for a neat workstation. It also comes with USB and power outlets on the top, so you won’t have to break your back while removing plugs.

SlatePro Techdesk. A clutter free workstation without the need of additional iPhone Docks orcable organizers. The table has precisely cut holes where you can place your smartphone, tablet, coffee cup, and also holes to manage cables or cool your laptop better. It may look a bit odd but it does the job.

Kinetic Desk. The Kinetic desk is a futuristic desk with in-built touch screens that allows you toeasily change the height of the table to turn it from a standard desk into a standing desk. Desk height profiles can be saved and loaded automatically. It also has built-in power and USB hubs that hides all your charging cables. Great for those who like to keep things neat and tidy.

L3p D3sk. This enthusiast built his PC into his transparent table top, so that he could show off all the components and custom water-cooling parts. It makes for a one-of-a-kind workstation that’s very beautiful, and also neat as there’s no need for a PC case.

Nebbessa Table. The Nebbessa Table by architecture company, Nuvist has a unique shape that seems to defy gravity, and a minimalist design that conveys elegance. There’s also a complementary coffee table on the side that gives it an extra touch of class.

Pallet Table. We don’t think much about pallets as they’re usually ignored and just used for storage purposes. However, recycling a pallet and turning it into a work desk with clear glass on top would make for a very unique looking but inexpensive workstation.

Ninja Standing Desk. The Ninja Standing Desk is a simple yet elegant desk that can be adjusted for users of any height. It’s made out of straps and light-weight shelves that can withstand 30 lbs each. It’s easy to set up and can even be hung over a door.

Tetra Shed. Designers of the Tetra Shed wanted to make a modular workstation that can be placed at the backyard of your house. The shed has makeshift doors and windows and can "house" 3 people comfortably. It looks so cosy that you probably wouldn’t want to leave.

WheelMate Extreme. The WheelMate Extreme allows you to work comfortably in the comfort of your car. But it only works when the steering wheel is upside down, where you secure the small wooden table for a Bluetooth keyboard and tablet holder.

AutoExec iPad Desk. For the workaholic on-the-go, the AutoExec iPad Desk sits on the passenger seat of your car to instantly turn it into a simple, mobile workstation. It comes with a tablet holder and space for writing and simple organization of documents.

Pedal Power. The hand-made Pedal Power desk forces you to pedal and move its gear and chains in order to produce electricity to power your electronic gadgets. Not the prettiest but it’s definitely environmentally friendly and gives you a workout too.

TrekDesk. Take standing desks to the next level with the TrekDesk. The treadmill desk allows you to keep healthy by walking on a standard treadmill while working on documents or a laptop. Just make sure to keep your focus.

Zero Gravity Workstation. The Zero Gravity Workstation is a rig built around a PC chair that allows you to recline backwards. You can view your monitor and use your mouse and keyboard as the entire rig moves with your reclined chair. Perhaps one for the thrill seekers.

Tactical Desk. You can take this Tactical Desk anywhere on the field. It’s equipped with a built-in power source to power all your gadgets on the field. The table included drawers that secures your belongings well and the side table can be folded up to mobilize the entire desk with its wheels.

Overbed Workstation. This takes the term working-in-bed to a whole new level. This rig allows you to mount a monitor and use an almost full-sized desk to use a mouse and keyboard while lying down comfortably in bed. Just make sure you don’t fall asleep.