Situation
The client, a visual artist, possessed an outdated website that lacked a modern and engaging user experience. The initial request was limited to simple content updates.
Task
Recognizing the website's potential for improvement, I took the initiative to propose a comprehensive redesign. Key tasks included:
- Template Selection: Research and selection of a suitable WordPress theme to align with the artist's aesthetic vision.
- Theme Customization: Development of a custom child theme to tailor the design and functionality to the specific needs of the project.
- Plugin Integration: Implementation of essential plugins to enhance website capabilities, including Advanced Custom Fields for flexible content management and FileBird Lite for efficient media organization.
- Content Management: Collaboration with the client to curate and organize a diverse collection of artwork.
- Deployment and Optimization: Configuration of the website on a production server, ensuring optimal performance and security.
- Troubleshooting and Support: Resolution of technical issues, such as SSL certificate configuration, to guarantee a seamless user experience.
Action
To execute the project effectively, I employed the following strategies:
- Local Development Environment: Utilized a local WordPress installation to facilitate rapid prototyping and testing.
- Custom Post Type: Created a custom post type to organize and display the artist's artwork in a visually appealing gallery.
- Plugin Integration: Leveraged plugins like WooCommerce, Slider Revolution, Contact Form 7, and WP Bakery Page Builder to enhance website functionality.
- Client Collaboration: Maintained open communication with the client, incorporating their feedback into the design and development process.
- Deployment and Optimization: Deployed the website to a production server, optimizing performance and security.
Result
The redesigned website successfully showcases the artist's work, providing an engaging and user-friendly experience. The project has equipped me with valuable technical skills, including:
- WordPress Development: Advanced customization and theme development techniques.
- Plugin Integration: Effective utilization of plugins to enhance website functionality.
- Deployment and Optimization: Configuration of production servers and optimization for performance.
- Client Communication: Collaborative approach to project management and client feedback.