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.

After our group decided to have UXynergy as our studio name, we came up with brand values which are fun, eye-catching, colorful, and innovative. I then proceed on my own research by using Benchmark Creation to browse the internet to find logos and similar designs that have “UX” in it. I compiled images that will guide my next step, which is logo sketch. I aim for a simple and neat design, so I focused on the initials “UXY.” After that, I transferred my sketch to digital in Adobe Illustrator to properly visualize my idea.

The teacher liked the idea of combining the initials, so in my second iteration, I kept the “UXY” in my sketch and design. They also pointed out that the logo is too corporate and serious for our brand values, so instead of a simple and neat design, I came up with the idea of incorporating a puzzle piece that symbolizes synergy and fun, which represents our brand.

I showed the final sketch to my groupmates and received positive feedback, however, they mentioned that others might not see the initials “UXY” right away. So, we collectively decided to go with my groupmate's logo for our final design.

I made a stylescape to showcase our brand values and logo with our chosen color palette. This guides our target audience of our visual aesthetic. It carries the feeling of the overall design, so I want to share the brand values of UXynergy in this visual representation.

The elements I used conveys: synergy (group of people), fun (man smiling), eye-catching (2 models), and UXynergy as design company (desk flatlay). I highlighted our slogan, “we are the missing piece,” by adding puzzle pieces in different colors, still on our scope of color palette.

I received positive feedback because it clearly reflected our brand values. They really liked the stylescape and appreciated my idea of using dual colors.

After the first iteration, our group decided to change the colors. The reason for changing the colors is that we asked some of our peers for feedback, and they mentioned that our previous color palette doesn't match the brand values of UXynergy, so I adjusted some shades. To guide our decision, we asked for our teacher's advice. They advised that instead of “colorful” and “innovative,” we should include “dynamic” in our brand values. So I immediately made my second iteration, incorporated our new color palette, removed “colorful” and “innovative,” and replaced it with the word “dynamic.”

Our group wanted to incorporate the puzzle idea that will highlight our slogan, “we are the missing piece,” and our brand values, so I looked at inspirations online, where I found valuable references such as a jigsaw puzzle with a missing part/piece. Then my groupmate thought of an idea, so I combined our concepts—that is, to create a design featuring actual puzzle pieces.

The first idea was that the business card should be made of actual puzzle pieces that can be separated and fit together, with one piece in white color to convey the “missing piece” in our slogan.

I lessened the number of puzzle pieces; instead of whole business card as puzzle pieces, I only created 3 puzzle pieces and centered the logo. I added bright colors for consistency of branding and made texts readable.

The group then asked for another feedback from our teacher, and he said he preferred having 2 pieces instead, which my groupmate created. He also suggested we make multiple versions in different collections.

So for the final iteration, I tweaked the design where I added curve shapes (that resemble one side of the puzzle piece) so it will look more fun. I created different variations and in different colors, but still within the scope of our color palette.

After brainstorming ideas with the group, we came up with three concepts. The group was then divided into subgroups to begin working on the research. Together with Mariana, I decided to focus on the concept: Promoting sustainable clothing by creating a special label, an “Eco-Score” for clothes, which is determined by sustainability and how it's made.

Mariana and I decided to conduct both primary and secondary research. We came up with the research questions for the interviews together. We will conduct two research based on those questions: one with interviews conducted in front of second hand stores and the other with interviews in front of fast fashion stores. We will then compare the responses we receive from both research.

After the feedback, we made sure to find a different approach to the questions and created neutral types of questions to prevent harsh tones and unfairness.

After receiving the go signal from our teacher, we went to the city center specifically to fast fashion and second hand stores to conduct our interview. In total, we were able to gather 4 interviews. The full details of our findings may be viewed here.