HTML5 & CSS3: compatibility issues

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In the past weeks, I have posted different articles about HTML5 and CSS3. In almost every one of them, we ended up describing the possible compatibility issues we might face implementing new features and solutions offered by the two standards. As a start, I would like to share some thoughts about the use of HTML5 and CSS3.

a) Do we really need them?  What I am saying is that we do not really want to use new features just because they are cool and they make us great web designers. We need to understand when new stuff really serves our purposes. If it’s only a matter of style – believe me – it is not worth it.
b) Are we ready for possible non standard solutions? In the past when HTML or CSS couldn’t help us with a specific effect, we looked for help with JavaScript. Today it is the same: Modernizr, CSS3 PIE or Selectivzr can really help us in dealing with compatibility issues. That might affect site speed and usability.
c) Are HTML5 and CSS3 the future? Well, this is difficult to answer. It is my personal opinion that they will be. It is decided – someway.
d) Are HTML5 and CSS3 really helping us? Before the (slow) introduction of the new standards, we were used to find alternative solutions (as said just before). HTML5 and CSS3 were conceived to help us in creating astonishing new web site in an easier way. With compatibility issues, we are actually back to square one: we need possibly more workarounds to ensure that – almost – every possible user will be able to use our web site the way it was meant to. That means more work just for possibly not necessary embellishments.