Harrison Broadbent

Harrison Broadbent Software Engineer HotDoc

Native HTML elements you should already be using: building without Javascript.

explore the program

Native HTML elements you should already be using: building without Javascript.

HTML has come a long way since the early 2000s. It’s no longer limited to clunky forms and buttons — with modern HTML (and a little CSS), it’s possible to build rich, interactive components like modals, accordions, and more.

These Javscript-free components are often (but not always) functional enough to rely on instead of their scripted brethren, simplifying your frontends and making them more maintainable (less JS dependencies!).

Join me as we explore the power of modern HTML & browser APIs (ie: Popover API, new base-select styling), plus some of their limitations.

Harrison Broadbent

Harrison Broadbent is a software engineer with a passion for tinkering and exploration. By day, he builds payment systems at HotDoc, Australia’s largest medical bookings platform. Outside of work, he’s often experimenting with new browser APIs, developing side projects, and exploring the evolving possibilities of the web.

After the success of his semi-viral blog post Cool Native HTML Elements You Should Already Be Using, Harrison was invited to speak at Web Directions 2025, where he will share deeper insights into the power and potential of modern HTML. His work reflects a curiosity-driven approach to engineering, blending practical problem-solving with a love of the web’s native capabilities.

Code of Conduct

For over a decade, we've worked hard to create inclusive, fun, inspring and safe events for the Web Industry.

As part of our commitment to these values, we've adopted a code of conduct for all involved: ourselves, our speakers, our partners and our audience.

If you have any concern or feedback, please don't hesitate to contact us.