I created a new version of my Figma portfolio that presents my idea more professionally while maintaining my personality and branding through my website design.

I conducted benchmark creation and design pattern search using existing websites such as Pinterest and Behance, which allowed me to see the trends for a cleaner and minimalist approach to design that gives a professional feel to the users.

From here, I created the mood board for the website. I focused on using sea-related colors, clean text styles, and short content to integrate my concept of a “Tropical Coast” then a clean and minimalist approach to the layout.

Then I proceeded to create the Lo-Fi prototype of my website, which was made from the website I collected and an example provided by the teacher. I found that I want the structure of my portfolio to be straightforward. So, I aim for elements such as photos of my works, concise text, and enough negative space to ensure that my audience will experience the brand identity of the “calmness” of Tropical Coast.

For the second iteration of the Lo-Fi structure, I removed the project information to make it less wordy and lengthy. Then, the reflection and “what have I done” section is merged.

The third iteration is the creation of the Hi-Fi prototype. After reviewing all the possible layouts and structures I have for the portfolio, I started to implement the elements that align with my theme, “Tropical Coast,” and the existing design of my inspirations. The sea inspires the main homepage, showcasing a moving GIF of waves near the shore. Additionally, elements of waves, sands, tropical leaves, and seashells are incorporated as one of my inspirations from Pinterest. To ensure that the design remains minimalist, the boxes and the roundings of corners are uniformly applied, and the fonts used are clean and robust in their features to maintain a professional look.

For the fourth iteration, I implemented a new structure to merge the information of the projects and learning outcomes; therefore, I removed the supposed pop-up page for project information and merged this with the learning outcomes from my portfolio. I simply implemented a dropdown area for the evidence and projects in the learning outcomes, which will showcase more details of that specific evidence when the users click it.

After receiving approval for the overall design, I proceeded to code my website. I coded the website's layout, texts, and animations. The website must be coded correctly so the needed actions and interactiveness from Figma can also be seen on the website. Other details and the process of my coding process may be viewed here.

I first made the reading guide in word format, which is composed of information about myself, what I want to achieve in the future, and projects I worked on previously that I want to showcase. I added clean, professional designs to avoid a word-heavy document before moving it into the InDesign layout.

I browsed through Pinterest to find inspirations related to a tropical theme and beach vibes (this is what I'm going for). I decided to create a Pinterest board where I compiled everything to get an overview of my design inspirations.

For the redesign, I focused on keeping it similar to my portfolio theme while maintaining a professional look. My color palette includes blue and yellow (not in high contrast) because I want to incorporate lively colors instead of low-saturated ones. I made sure to add page numbering to important content sections, such as Introduction, Studio Branding, Client Project, and Burden of Proof, so the reader will know the sequence of each page.

I created a 3D visual representation of the idea that our group had been able to brainstorm together. To make this piece, I collaborated with my 2 groupmates, and together we brainstormed the topic we wanted to create in 3D. From here, we decided to focus on the idea of synergy and fun.

So I started by using a research method called Benchmark Creation, where I browsed online for inspiration related to the concept of synergy and fun, and I was able to see pictures of mascot hands and puzzle pieces. Then I also looked at the website that our teacher suggested and found things like Puzzle Pencil Holder and Modular Puzzle Containers, which strengthened our idea of using the puzzle pieces as part of the design we wanted to create.

We showed our ideas to the teacher, and from there, the group wanted the logo to be interactive and resemble puzzle pieces. I then created our sketch, designing the edges to look like interlocking puzzle pieces. That's where I proposed that the X serves as the missing piece.

To validate our work, we showed the teacher our final idea; he said he liked the concept for 3D visuals.

For the finalization, I used Blender to make the 3D model. After finishing the design, I showed it to my groupmates, and they liked it. Currently, I am waiting for the pieces to be printed.

Our group brainstormed for ideas we have in mind on what we're planning to do for the project. To guide this process, we used 2 different techniques: Brainwriting and Lotus Blossom.

Together with 3 other members who were present that day, we first conducted brainwriting which involves discussing ideas to create the best solution. We answer the question: “How can we make fast fashion less attractive amongst teenagers?” So from our brainwriting, we gathered: seek workshops, encourage youth to purchase from second hand/thrift stores, promote timeless clothes and storytelling.

After the brainwriting, we then proceed to lotus blossom with all members present. Since the same central design idea (from brainwriting) applied to this method, we divided it into 3 aspects: usability, technology, engagement. This allowed us to have a more detailed discussion of how we can spread awareness, promote timeless clothes, have workshops, and other activities we can do.

After the Lotus Blossom technique, we came up with 3 concepts.Then, we created subgroups and did research on our chosen topics. Mariana and I are in the same subgroup and our concept is “Promoting sustainable clothing by creating a special label, which is an “Eco-score” for clothes”. This is determined by the sustainability and production of clothing brands.

After conducting research, I created a price tag and wash tag to have a creative representation of Mariana and I's eco-score concept. I color-coded the price tag, added an app-inspired rating and included an eco-score label, while the wash tag also displayed the eco-score label, with 'A' representing an environmental-friendly product and 'E' as the lowest rating.