During my second year of study at university, we were set a brief to code a website portfolio. This was a tough but rewarding task which inspired the design of this current website.
Analysing existing websites
One of the workshops to take place during this unit was the website analysis workshop, in which we looked at different existing websites and discussed the best and worst aspects of each.
A task we completed during this workshop was looking at the navigation system of a chosen website, the group chose to analyse the website for the branding agency Bond and Coyne.
This workshop taught me that less is more when designing a website and that simplicity is key to easy navigation.
Researching Website Sustainability
Prior to starting the coding process, I researched website sustainability so that I could create my website with the information I learnt in mind.
The internet currently produces approximately 3.7% of global carbon emissions, this is broadly equivalent to the emissions created by the aviation industry, however this can be reduced through considered web design. Through research I gathered a list of simple ways in which I can design my website with the planet in mind, the main takeaways being reducing image sizes and only including necessary videos.
Researching the origins and history of code
Coding Literacy by Annette Vee
Live Coding - a user's manual
Form + Code in design, art, and architecture
Before beginning this project, I did some research about coding, in which I learnt about topics such as the origins of coding, and what live coding is.My main forms of research was through the three books shown below, the most insightful one being `Form + Code in design and architecture’.
Planning my website
Sketching out how I visualised my website pages to look was very helpful when it came to coding the pages.
Writing an about me
The about me section went through many different rewrites before the final one which is seen on the about section of this website. During the process I gained valuable feedback from Damian Scott and Nick Schanche, both of which providing me pointers helping me build on what I had written and craft it into a far more effective and engaging piece of text.
When considering the colour scheme for my website, I knew I wanted to keep the majority of my website very simplistic, in order to not take attention away from the images of my work, however I did want to include a small element of colour in order to add some personality and corelation throughout the website.On the rare occasion that I’m not wearing black, green tends to be my colour of choice. I find the colour to be calming and serene whilst also being fun and inviting, it also links to my Irish roots, something that I feel very connected too.When selecting type, I opted for fonts that were clear to read whilst still bringing a kind and exciting feel to my pages.
Coding my website
Coding is something I have never done before. Apart from the pair of workshops I attended during first year, I had an extreme lack of knowledge about how to code prior to beginning research for this project. Although tricky at times, it was very rewarding when the inputted code was successful and delivered the outcome I desired.
User testing
User testing was an essential part of the process of creating my website. Having others review my website meant that any problems with my website were brought to my attention.
Feedback I received included notes about spacing between sections and work
that could be included to help show project processes.
Critical Reflection
The complex and at times bewildering world of code was one I had a lack of experience in before embarking on this project, causing me to feel apprehensive prior to this unit.
Before starting this project, I had attended several workshops in beginners coding during my first year at university and researched into the basics and history of coding, which were beneficial to me during this process as it enabled me to spend more time on planning and creating my website rather than completing these base level pieces of research. Despite the prior research and work, during the creation of my website I faced difficulties, especially in the early stages of learning and forming an understanding of code. However working through these difficulties and finally getting the website to look the way I envisioned was an extremely rewarding process.
Although this was an individual project, reviews and the sharing of findings between peers were the driving force behind my final website. Sitting around a table, learning from the mistakes of others and vice versa, meant I grew my skills and gained greater knowledge by both teaching and being taught.Outside of the coding, I found writing the about me section far harder than expected. I tend to often self deprecate and find myself at times to be my own worst critique, so to write a description aiming to sell myself to potential clients and employers proved to be a challenge.
However, through guidance and several rewrites, I feel that I have written a piece of text which portrays me in a positive light whilst still being truthful.
Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of my website.In order to progress it further I would consider implementing some moving elements and experimenting further with different layouts, but with my abilities within the coding realm at the start of the unit compared to now, I feel proud of what I have achieved during a short period of time.