Maddy's Archive Feedback

Objective

The goal of the "Maddy's Archive" project was to build a digital portfolio showcasing the creative work from my first semester. Ultimately, the aim was to create a single, cohesive, and visually appealing representation of my output, with particular attention paid to the aesthetic and organisational structure of the work.

Design & Implementation

A consistent visual identity was a top priority, which was successfully achieved with a cohesive blue colour scheme that remains a core strength of the project. Initial development focused on the desktop experience, thereby leading to a simple, intuitive navigation system that makes it easy for users to find projects on larger screens. A key constraint, in addition, was the deliberate decision to limit the use of generative AI for both the archive and the featured projects.

Problems & Solutions

The project faced some challenges, particularly with user experience and technical performance. The most significant issue was the poor mobile responsiveness. The desktop-first design caused alignment and layout problems on smaller screens, consequently making the interface less effective. Another challenge was the project-to-project navigation, which was unnecessarily tedious. While the main site navigation works well, moving between individual projects requires too many steps.

Reflection

"Maddy's Archive" is a strong first attempt at creating a digital portfolio. Its visual design and straightforward navigation are effective, but the issues with mobile responsiveness and internal navigation show clear opportunities for growth. Ultimately, this project has taught me the importance of designing for all devices from the very beginning.