Calendars and web readers

2026-02-06 · Source: James' Coffee Blog · Field: Technology & Digital — Software Development & Engineering, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Intermediate, quick

Summary

The author explores the intersection of web readers and calendars, specifically focusing on how event data marked up in HTML using h-feed and h-event microformats could be integrated into web readers. This technical interest stems from the ability to convert h-feeds into iCal files, enabling calendar data to be generated directly from HTML. The discussion then shifts to design considerations, particularly the potential for web readers like Artemis to display events. While a direct integration into the main article feed is questioned, the author proposes a "widget" concept within Artemis for a dedicated events list, aiming for a "calm" calendar experience that provides a daily reference without full editing capabilities.

Key takeaway

For product designers considering new features for web readers, you should explore modular widget architectures to integrate diverse content types like calendar events. This approach allows for dedicated, "calm" displays of information, preventing event data from cluttering primary article feeds and improving user experience for time-sensitive information.

Key insights

Integrating h-feed/h-event microformats can enable calendar data within web readers via iCal conversion.

Principles

• Modular software design enhances customization.
• Dedicated interfaces improve user experience for distinct data types.

Method

Use h-feed and h-event microformats in HTML to mark up event data, then convert the h-feed into an iCal file for calendar integration into web readers.

In practice

• Explore h-feed to iCal conversion for event publishing.
• Design dedicated widgets for event display in web readers.

Topics

• Microformats
• Web Reader Integration
• Calendar Formats
• Modular Software
• UI/UX Design

Code references

• gRegorLove/mf2-to-iCalendar

Best for: Software Engineer, Product Designer, Product Manager

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by James' Coffee Blog.