OVERVIEW
I designed a digital portfolio for an emerging architect, Thea W, focusing on a seamless user experience and a clean, minimalistic visual design. The project integrated UI/UX design, information architecture, and responsive no-code development to showcase her work effectively while reflecting her personal brand and architectural style.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Thea needed a portfolio that not only displayed her architectural projects but also provided an intuitive, engaging user experience. Existing templates lacked the clean visual design and effortless navigation required to truly represent her unique identity, making it challenging for potential clients and collaborators to appreciate her work.
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS
User Research:
Conducted an in-depth interview and questionnaire with Thea to understand her goals, target audience, and design preferences.
The portfolio should highlight her work and architectural style to attract clients and industry peers.
A clean, modern design with strategic use of empty space was essential for readability and focus.
Critical functionalities included intuitive navigation, mobile responsiveness, and easy content updates.
Competitive Analysis:
Reviewed other architects’ portfolios to identify best practices and common pitfalls, such as generic presentations and disengaging user experiences.
IDEATION & PROCESS
Brainstorming & Moodboards:
Collaborated with Thea using mind mapping, sketching, and mood boards to explore design themes like minimalism, visual storytelling, and effective use of negative space.
Lo-Fi Sketches & Wireframes:
Created initial sketches to establish layout and navigation, then developed high-fidelity wireframes incorporating Thea’s feedback to define structure, typography, and visual hierarchy.
Design System:
Established a cohesive visual framework, including a curated colour palette and typography, to ensure consistency across the portfolio.
THE SOLUTION
Mockups & Prototype:
Transformed wireframes into high-fidelity mockups that integrated Thea’s brand colours and refined visual elements. Developed an interactive prototype in Framer to simulate smooth transitions, responsive layouts, and key interactions.
Design Refinements:
Iteratively refined the design based on Thea’s feedback, such as adjusting the experience section, to ensure the final product authentically represented her architectural identity.
RESULTS
Positive Feedback:
Thea expressed strong satisfaction with the interactive prototype, noting that it effectively showcased her work and conveyed her professional identity.Enhanced Engagement:
The clean, modern design and intuitive navigation promise to improve user engagement and make it easier for potential clients and collaborators to explore her projects.Foundation for Growth:
The cohesive design system sets a solid foundation for future updates, ensuring the portfolio remains dynamic and reflective of Thea’s evolving work.
CHALLENGES & LEARNINGS
Collaboration & Adaptability:
Regular feedback was essential in aligning the design with Thea’s vision, reinforcing the importance of a user-centred approach.Iterative Design Process:
The transition from lo-fi sketches to a refined, interactive prototype highlighted the value of iterative testing in uncovering usability insights that static designs can miss.
NEXT STEPS
Usability Testing:
Conduct further testing to ensure smooth functionality across devices and browsers.Ongoing Updates:
After launch, gather user feedback and plan regular updates, including integrating Thea’s case studies for a more cohesive experience.Future Enhancements:
Explore additional features that can further engage users and enhance the overall functionality of the portfolio.
I HOPE YOU'VE ENJOYED YOUR EXPERIENCE EXPLORING MY PORTFOLIO.