Webdevcon 2025
18 - 21 Mar 2025 at Pathé Noord

"In this workshop, you will delve into Vanilla JavaScript and basic DOM manipulation techniques, focusing on developers who primarily use libraries such as React, Angular, or Vue. Maximiliano Firtman will guide you through the fundamentals, empowering you to build efficient web applications without relying on third-party libraries by just using modern JavaScript and browser APIs. You will also gain insights into the core concepts behind popular libraries and frameworks, enhancing your problem-solving skills and reducing dependencies in your projects. *Master Vanilla JavaScript and basic DOM manipulation *Learn how to create efficient web applications using browser APIs * Understand the core concepts behind popular libraries and frameworks and how to code just what you need * Enhance your problem-solving skills and reduce dependencies * Understand how the browser works to make ultra-fast webapps"

Everywhere we look we see examples of leveraging AI technologies not just while building software, but in our web applications too. While developers want to embrace new shiny technologies, tech leaders raise concerns about the risk of exposing their data for training alongside other accuracy issues such as source hallucination. Using vector search and other data sources alongside LLMs can ground applications to a known source, allowing domain-specific responses to be generated. In this workshop, you'll build 2 AI applications to learn about RAG, AI agents and technologies including AI SDK, Langchain, JS and Elasticsearch, while pointing out alternatives along the way.

"Learn how Nielsen's timeless 10 usability heuristics can revolutionize your web interfaces. In this full-day hands-on workshop, we'll dive deep into these fundamental principles that still form the backbone of every usability evaluation. During the morning session, we'll explore the theoretical foundation and understand how these heuristics impact user experience. The afternoon gets practical: In small groups, you'll analyze real applications using these heuristics and conduct initial usability tests. Together, we'll reflect on the method's strengths and limitations - where are heuristics particularly valuable and where do they reach their limits? You'll also discover how just 5 test users can uncover the most critical usability issues."

"The road to becoming a modern Frontend developer is not easy. There's a lot to learn: the basics, the conventions, and the syntax. On top of that, it's a world where everything changes quickly and without notice. Get ready for an epic adventure, Warcraft-style, where we'll follow our hero's quests to level up and become a Developer of Fronteroth."

"Curious about how Netherlands biggest weather platform manages to predict the weather with such accuracy while serving millions of users every day? Join us for an insightful dive into the technology powering Buienradar’s meteorological marvel. In this down-to-earth conference talk, we’ll take a closer look at the nuts and bolts of Buienradar’s operations. Discover how Buienradar’s scalable infrastructure and clever algorithms work together to process vast amounts of data, providing users with reliable weather forecasts at their fingertips. We’ll explore the challenges of managing such a high volume of users and data, discussing practical solutions and lessons learned along the way. From data handling techniques to performance optimization, we’ll cover it all in a relatable and accessible manner. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a weather aficionado, or simply curious about how your favorite weather app works, this talk is for you. Join us as we peel back the curtain on Buienradar’s technology, demystifying the complex world of weather forecasting in a way that’s easy to understand and appreciate."

"Is CSS a programming language? And if so, how do you program in it? In this session you will learn how to create some solid engineered systems in CSS. We will learn how to create 4 fully styled buttons with only 22 lines of code, or create a grid that is flexible and adaptable. Once we get into that engineer thinking, let's evolve further with some typing in CSS by using @property, highly upgrading your CSS debugging and animation skills. We will finally end with taking a glimpse to the future with newly adopted things by the CSSWG such as functions, mixins and conditionals. This talk is highly technical, with a twist and a laugh, let's get into that engineer thinking with CSS. "

"Dive into the cutting-edge world of VR-first web development! As VR headsets revolutionize web browsing, we'll challenge the assumption that VR websites must be 3D and spatial. Instead, we'll explore how to adapt 2D websites for immersive experiences. From eye tracking to hand gestures, we'll uncover the key considerations that set VR-first apart from traditional and mobile-first approaches. Learn essential design principles and development techniques to create VR-friendly websites. We'll discuss optimizing page flow, rethinking navigation, and adapting existing sites for VR. Plus, get exclusive insights from hands-on testing with Apple Vision Pro! Whether you're a seasoned dev or VR newbie, you'll leave equipped to build the future of web experiences."

ING is a leading European bank, with over 60,000 employees serving more than 38 million customers, corporate clients, and financial institutions across more than 40 countries. In this session, I will present how we have successfully leveraged generative AI at scale for our contact center solutions, enabling us to serve millions of customers across these countries efficiently. This showcase will highlight the scale and sophistication of our AI implementation, offering valuable insights into how large-scale AI solutions can be effectively deployed to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.

Discover what Memory Leaks are in practice. We'll use MemLab and Chrome DevTools to debug leakage in our sample application, and it'll no longer be a black box for Developers attending the session!

"Gen AI is known to sometimes produce inaccurate and unpredictable responses, which can be catastrophic for any developer hoping to build a consistent experience for their end users. In this talk, we'll explore how to implement predictable, context-aware interactions with Gen AI in Javascript applications. With live demos, showcasing: - Vector database integration basics - Techniques for context injection - How to pick a language model Attendees will leave equipped to create AI-enabled experiences using their own data, resulting in more predictable and standardised AI interactions."

I’m sharing best practices on building a truly cross-platform / universal TypeScript library in 2025. TypeScript compiles to JavaScript which runs everywhere, so that should be easy, right? For a simple library, sure, but when you need access to runtime APIs, things become more problematic. I’ll touch on how to use TypeScript project references to achieve lockdown of runtime types and fast incremental builds and how to use static declarations via export conditions instead of imperative checks at runtime, making bundlers happier about the awesome library you’ve built.

"What makes some websites instantly feel 'right' while others frustrate us? What makes interfaces feel truly intuitive? In this session, we'll explore three fundamental UX design principles (Information Architecture, Consistency, and Clarity) and two fascinating cognitive biases (Zeigarnik Effect and Peak-End Rule) that significantly impact user experience. Through practical examples and real-world applications, you'll discover how understanding these concepts can transform your frontend development approach. Whether you're a developer, designer, or product owner, you'll leave with actionable insights to create more engaging and user-friendly interfaces."

"Learn how Nielsen's timeless 10 usability heuristics can revolutionize your web interfaces. In this full-day hands-on workshop, we'll dive deep into these fundamental principles that still form the backbone of every usability evaluation. During the morning session, we'll explore the theoretical foundation and understand how these heuristics impact user experience. The afternoon gets practical: In small groups, you'll analyze real applications using these heuristics and conduct initial usability tests. Together, we'll reflect on the method's strengths and limitations - where are heuristics particularly valuable and where do they reach their limits? You'll also discover how just 5 test users can uncover the most critical usability issues."

"Did you know you can use the Chrome DevTools to test whether your website is build in an accessible way? If not, let's explore together. In this session, we will explore how we can best use DevTools to our advantage in accessibility testing, discuss what to test for and why and how to incorporate both automated and manual testing in your development cycles. Chrome DevTools offer a variety of options for accessibility testing, including simulations for visual impairments, checking for accessibility labels, color contrast and insights into the accessibility tree. We will discuss these techniques, as well as common sources of accessibility issues and how to approach them. We will also explore how to convince your team or manager to invest in accessibility testing and where to focus your attention if you have limited time & resources. Let's make the web more accessible, one page at a time! "

"Serverless development might sound like magic, but trust me—it’s not the kind of sorcery that will leave you scratching your head or calling tech support. In this session, we’ll uncover the secrets of serverless (no wands required) and build a fully functional API backend step-by-step. Using the Serverless Framework, TypeScript, and AWS tools like API Gateway, Lambda, DynamoDB and more, we’ll start with the basics and grow your skills to intermediate-level wizardry. Along the way, I’ll share real-world examples of serverless projects I’ve implemented (because nothing beats showing off how “abracadabra” translates into real business results). Here’s what we’ll cover: - Writing and deploying your first serverless function. - Integrating an API Gateway with DynamoDB for scalable data storage. - Best practices and design patterns for bulletproof serverless applications. - Real-world case studies: What worked, what didn’t, and the quirky surprises along the way. Whether you’re new to serverless or want to take your skills to the next level, this talk has something for you. Expect laughs, lightbulb moments, and plenty of “ah-ha!” takeaways to bring back to your next project."

"What happens if all website information is contained in public LLM solutions? You will get the best UX design ever made in seconds! Public LLM's like DALL·E and Midjourney contain this information needed to create a beautiful design. After this session you will be able to use these tools yourself and you will be skilled in prompt engineering to set up a design yourself. A design is all about creating the best possible reusable solution for our users. We will explain important concepts like accessibility, usability, consistency, simplicity, feedback and how you can address this using AI as an UX designer by giving an already existing website a total overhaul. As a last step we will use AI to 100% generate a clickable demo for an open source project (https://www.littil.org/home). After this session you will know how to use AI to design a website yourself, what a good design looks like and how to AI generate a clickable demo!"

"What can tech teams learn from a theme park? More than you might think. Disney is known for crafting magical experiences: not just in their parks, but in the way they approach design, storytelling, and creating spaces where people feel valued and inspired. In this talk, I’ll share lessons from Disney that we can apply to our work in tech. Whether building a great internal developer culture, designing memorable events, or fostering engaged and supportive communities, the principles Disney uses to create unforgettable experiences can help us craft environments where people feel connected, motivated, and excited to contribute. Drawing on my own experiences as both a tech professional and a Disney fan, I’ll highlight practical ideas for creating a sense of wonder and purpose in everything you do. You’ll leave with actionable insights to bring a little Disney magic into your work and make a meaningful impact."

"Is TypeScript the hero JavaScript has been waiting for? While some love its type-safe assurances, others shy away from its complexity. But what if you could navigate the spectrum of TypeScript's capabilities with confidence and ease? This talk dives into TypeScript’s powerful features and strategies to bring clarity and elegance to your JavaScript codebase. Together, we’ll explore the why, when, and how of using TypeScript, debunk common myths, and learn to embrace advanced techniques that simplify complex challenges. By the end, you’ll have the tools to transform your projects and future-proof your code. No more any excuses—let’s conquer TypeScript together!"

"One of the most important building blocks in any JavaScript runtime is the eventloop which enables developers to write performant code, even single-threaded. But many developers do not look into how it works because it looks really complicated and hard to understand. In this talk we will discover how the eventloop works, how one can use it to ones advantage and how it works with Promises, Timer-Events and Web-Apis. All easily understandable and done in Live-Coding."

"After the journey through Fronteroth, lies the portal to the Backend. There's a whole new set of concepts to master: server-side logic, databases, APIs, and more. And just like the frontend, the backend world evolves rapidly and without warning. Prepare yourself for another epic journey, once again in Warcraft style. This time, our hero embarks on new quests to level up backend skills in The Backend Crusade."

In software projects, it's important to write down why we make certain big decisions about how the software is built. These written records are called Architecture Decision Records (ADRs). They help us remember why we made these choices, especially when new team members join or when we need to make future decisions. This talk will introduce ADRs and explain why they are so useful. We will cover what ADRs are, why we need them, and how they help teams work better together. This is great for anyone who wants to keep track of important decisions in a simple and organized way. Join me to learn how ADRs can make your software projects smoother and more successful.

In software projects, it's important to write down why we make certain big decisions about how the software is built. These written records are called Architecture Decision Records (ADRs). They help us remember why we made these choices, especially when new team members join or when we need to make future decisions. This talk will introduce ADRs and explain why they are so useful. We will cover what ADRs are, why we need them, and how they help teams work better together. This is great for anyone who wants to keep track of important decisions in a simple and organized way. Join me to learn how ADRs can make your software projects smoother and more successful.

"Observability is the ability to measure a system's current state. Backend engineers are becoming more familiar with the three pillars of observability and technologies such as OpenTelemetry that can be used to instrument applications and diagnose issues. Yet, in the front-end world, we're behind the curve. Join me as I explore the tools and techniques we can use to instrument, monitor, and diagnose issues in our production front-end applications. I'll cover RUM agents and OpenTelemetry web tracing, the metrics and traces they provide, and how to combine them with backend tracing for a holistic picture. These concepts will be reinforced using the Elastic RUM agent and the OpenTelemetry Node.js agent. In addition, I'll cover Synthetic Monitoring and alerting in Observability platforms can help us detect issues impacting users in the UIs we build and maintain using Playwright and Elastic Synthetics. "

"Ever heard of AI by design? This session will explore the critical decision-making process behind when AI is the perfect tool to enhance your operations and when it might not be the best fit. Discover how AI can revolutionize efficiency, innovation, and customer engagement, while also understanding the scenarios where human intuition and judgment are indispensable. Through real-world examples and expert analysis, we will discuss the key factors to consider when deciding whether to adopt AI solutions. Whether you're a an architect, lead developer, CTO, or simply curious about the future of technology, this talk will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about AI integration. Come and learn how to harness the power of AI effectively while preserving the unique value of human insight. Spotting opportunities for AI and dealing with stakeholders who insist on ""doing something with AI"" is what I do for a living at MBG's own Innovation Lab."

Dive into keyboard accessibility and focus management - skills for creating inclusive web experiences. Learn how to ensure your interactive elements are accessible to everyone, whether they use a mouse or not. We'll explore focus traps, navigation patterns, and practical techniques for implementing visible, consistent focus styles that meet WCAG standards. You'll walk away with actionable strategies to make your web applications fully keyboard-accessible and understand the 'why' behind each implementation decision.