Positioning Demonstration
Light Mode (Current): Uses position: relative
- the header flows naturally with the page content and doesn't obstruct anything below it.
Dark Mode: Uses position: fixed
- the header sticks to the top and content needs top padding to avoid being hidden.
The Problem
When using position: fixed
in light mode, the header "floats" above the content and can obstruct the view of important information at the top of the page.
This is especially problematic for academic websites where the first section often contains crucial information about research focus or publications.
The Solution
By using position: relative
in light mode, the header becomes part of the document flow and content naturally appears below it without any obstruction.
This provides a cleaner, more accessible user experience while maintaining the modern aesthetic.
Research Focus
This content would typically be at the very top of an academic website and needs to be immediately visible without being hidden behind a fixed header.
With relative positioning, users can see all content immediately upon page load.
Publications
Academic publications and research highlights are often the most important content on these sites.
Ensuring they're immediately visible (not obstructed) is crucial for user experience and accessibility.