The Grad Show 2023 Website
Client: ANU, School Of Art and Design
Year: 2023
This project marked my first foray into HTML and CSS coding, providing an exciting opportunity to combine technical skills with creative expression. The primary aim was to develop an easy-to-use website featuring a clean and modern aesthetic, effectively showcasing the diverse work of students graduating from the Australian National University in 2023.
To achieve this, I focused on creating an intuitive user interface that would allow visitors to navigate seamlessly through the various student portfolios and projects. The layout was designed to be visually appealing, with a minimalist approach that highlights the students' work without unnecessary distractions. This involved careful consideration of typography, color schemes, and spacing to ensure a cohesive look that resonates with the creativity and talent of the graduating class.
Additionally, I aimed to incorporate responsive design principles to ensure that the website would function beautifully across different devices, from desktop computers to smartphones. This adaptability was essential for reaching a wider audience, allowing prospective employers, friends, and family members to engage with the graduates' work from anywhere.
The project not only enhanced my coding skills but also deepened my understanding of user experience and web design principles. Overall, the website serves as a digital gallery that celebrates the achievements of the ANU graduating class, fostering a sense of community and connection among students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Project Brief
Process
The initial ideation for this project revolved around creating a simple navigation system and an easily digestible aesthetic, prioritizing user experience from the very beginning. To lay a strong foundation, I engaged in practice coding in HTML and CSS, which not only familiarized me with the technical aspects of web development but also allowed me to experiment with different layout designs and functionalities.
In tandem with honing my coding skills, I conducted thorough research into web design principles. This included exploring best practices for creating user-friendly interfaces, understanding the importance of responsive design, and examining successful portfolio websites for inspiration. This research helped me identify key elements that would enhance the overall functionality and visual appeal of the site.
To further refine my vision, I created wireframes and flowcharts to map out the structure and user journey of the website. The wireframes served as a blueprint, outlining the placement of various components such as the navigation bar, project galleries, and contact information. This visual representation allowed me to visualize how users would interact with the site, ensuring that the navigation was intuitive and straightforward.
The outcomes of this project culminated in a visually cohesive and engaging website that effectively showcased the work of the graduating students from the Australian National University. I opted for a simple color scheme of orange, yellow, and greys, which provided a warm and inviting atmosphere while maintaining a professional look. The vibrant orange accents drew attention to key elements, the neutral grey text allowed for legibility and yellow backgrounds helped to create balance and focus on important elements.
To reinforce the connection to the institution, I incorporated a watermark of the ANU School of Art and Design in the footer, lending an authoritative touch and enhancing the site's credibility. This branding element served as a reminder of the community and tradition behind the graduating class, grounding the digital space in its academic roots.
The graduate page featured a well-organized gallery layout that allowed for easy navigation through each student's work. This layout not only highlighted individual projects but also facilitated a smooth browsing experience, enabling visitors to quickly explore the diverse talents within the cohort. By utilizing simple sans-serif fonts throughout the site, I ensured readability and a modern aesthetic. The light font for body text provided clarity and ease of reading, while bold fonts for headings created a strong visual hierarchy, guiding users through the content effortlessly.
Overall, the website successfully blended aesthetic appeal with functional design, creating a user-friendly platform that celebrated the creativity and achievements of the ANU graduating class while enhancing my skills in web development and design. The code was applicable for both web and mobile formats.
