Taking Feedback: Portfolio Updates
13 February 2024
Doris Siu
When I first launched my portfolio website, I knew it was a work in progress. But what truly takes a project from "good" to "great" is the willingness to learn and iterate based on real-world feedback. I actively sought opinions from the awesome community on LinkedIn and people I met in life, and the insights were invaluable.
Learning
Update
The comments I received ran the gamut from design suggestions to performance optimizations. While some pointed out minor details like colour contrast and spacing, others highlighted areas for more technical improvement, like website speed and responsiveness. Each comment, both positive and constructive, became a valuable learning experience.
Updates and maintenance
Equipped with this diverse feedback, I dove back into the code with renewed enthusiasm. Here's a breakdown of how I addressed some key points.
- Enhanced Visual Appeal: Based on feedback, I adjusted the color palette to improve accessibility and implemented better spacing for a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.
- Project Showcase Spotlight: Thanks to the suggestion of implementing a React carousel component (this is something I never used before!), it is such a great alternative to bringing my work to life and making it instantly discoverable.
- Speed Boost: I cut down the use of excessive animation and libraries that are not working properly to ensure my site loads smoothly across devices, providing a better user experience.
- Better Performance: I moved the site from AWS to Netlify for faster performance. This switch translates to a smoother browsing experience for visitors.
Looking Ahead
The feedback wasn't just about technical tweaks. It was about understanding how my work resonates with others, their expectations, and what makes a truly impactful work. This experience reinforced my commitment to continuous learning and improvement, both as a developer and communicator.
The journey doesn't end here. I'm constantly seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn. As I keep building and creating, I know the feedback loop will continue - the fuel that keeps me going, shaping my skills and pushing me to become a better developer, one iteration at a time.