I worked as a freelance developer to redesign and modernize the website for Paint Dezign, a small business out of Westford, MA. This redesign marked its first major overhaul since the early 2000s. The project included developing a custom content management system (CMS) that allowed the owners to easily update their website while providing customers with an intuitive way to explore their portfolio.
Key Contributions:
Custom CMS Development: Designed a tailored CMS to empower the business owners to update content independently, ensuring long-term usability and cost-effectiveness.
Modern Redesign: Revamped the website’s design and functionality to meet modern web standards while maintaining the brand’s identity.
User Experience Focus: Simplified the internal UI/UX for the business owners and set clear guidelines for uploading content, optimizing site performance and ensuring a seamless customer experience.
Challenges Overcome:
Performance Optimization: Ensured the website was fast and stable by implementing standards for media uploads and optimizing back-end processes.
Legacy Browser Compatibility: Addressed compatibility issues for older browsers like Internet Explorer 6, as many of the client’s customers, including government and police departments, accessed the site through outdated systems. This required meticulous testing and optimization to deliver a consistent experience across platforms.
Small Business Collaboration: Gained valuable experience in understanding the unique needs and workflows of small business clients, ensuring the solution aligned with their goals.
The Paint Dezign project was a rewarding experience that taught me how to balance technical requirements with client needs. As of 2023, the business no longer has a web presence, however the time spent on this project serves as a testament to the importance of thoughtful design and robust development for small business success.