Emerging Media Masters Program: Portfolio Website Redesign Project
An engaging portfolio overhaul, highlighting my expertise in web design and development. It’s a sleek showcase where visitors can seamlessly explore my projects, offering a glimpse into my creative journey and technical skills.
Project Date: Spring 2024
My Role: Sole Developer and Designer
Project Overview: This case study documents the transformation of my portfolio website from a basic Wordpress layout to a refined design powered by Squarespace. The aim was to transcend the limitations of the previous iteration and create a platform that not only showcased my work but also embodied my multifaceted skills and personal ethos. Tools and software utilized encompass Squarespace, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Illustrator.
The Problem: The original portfolio website, residing on Wordpress, felt stark and overly simplistic, failing to do justice to the diverse range of projects and passions I wished to convey. It left me grappling with a sense of inadequacy, a nagging feeling that my portfolio wasn’t fulfilling its potential to authentically represent my capabilities and interests. I knew there was more to be done here, but how to tackle it felt almost impossible.
My original landing page on Wordpress. The design was too simple and lacked the personality I felt was evident of a creative looking for a career in a space that fit her talents and interests.
The Solution: In response to these challenges, I embarked on a comprehensive redesign journey with Squarespace as my canvas. Commencing with a deep dive into audience preferences, I sought to create an immersive user experience that resonated with visitors on a visceral level. Leveraging Squarespace’s intuitive interface, I sculpted a visually captivating layout that not only showcased my portfolio but also provided insights into my personality and creative process. Each aspect of the redesign was meticulously crafted, from custom photos chosen from Unsplash, to seamless navigation, all rooted in a strategic approach to highlight my versatility and expertise. I used Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop to expand upon my brand guide and better incorporate my brand standards to the website. Moreover, I iterated extensively on the “About Me” section, infusing it with elements that showcased my diverse skill set and penchant for impactful storytelling.
Results: The redesign yielded tangible improvements in user engagement and satisfaction. Analytics revealed a notable decrease in bounce rates and an uptick in dwell time, indicating a heightened level of visitor interest and engagement with the content. Feedback from peers and industry professionals echoed these sentiments, praising the enhanced aesthetics and user-centric design approach. Looking ahead, I am committed to continual refinement, integrating new projects, and optimizing the design to ensure that my portfolio remains a compelling showcase of my work and identity.
Old website URL: https://mckenzietodd.com/
New website URL: https://www.mckenzie-todd.com/