The past two weeks have been a deep dive into the world of web design. What started as simple class projects quickly turned into opportunities for real discovery. I did not just follow instructions. I started noticing how different choices in layout, structure, and tools can completely change how a website feels and functions.
One of the most important things I learned during this time was the value of mobile-first design. Before, I always designed with desktop screens in mind. It felt more comfortable and familiar. But once I started building from a mobile-first perspective, everything shifted. Designing for a small screen first forced me to simplify and organize better. It helped me focus on what matters most, and avoid clutter. Then, once the mobile version looked and functioned well, scaling it up to larger screens felt more natural and structured.
In the Sacramento Writer’s Group project, I applied these ideas by following the layout instructions carefully and thinking about how a user might interact with the site on their phone. The Zen Music Festival project was a bit more challenging. I had to figure out how to space sections correctly, how to structure navigation for a touch screen, and how to avoid elements overlapping or looking awkward on smaller devices. Each small fix taught me something new. I started to pay more attention to spacing, alignment, and visual balance, even if I was using placeholder content.
Throughout both projects, I stuck closely to the resources provided by my tutor. I did not try to overcomplicate anything or reinvent things that were already working. I used class snippets when I got stuck, and I referred back to the slides and videos to double-check my approach. Even though I did not experiment much outside of the required structure, I still felt like I was absorbing a lot just by doing the work and seeing how everything fit together.
Outside of coding, I also explored tools that are commonly used in the design industry. I spent more time working in Figma, not only for class layouts but also for my personal projects. I even applied to attend Figma Config 2025 through their scholarship program. The conference ticket is too expensive for me right now as a student, so I am hoping to receive support through the scholarship. I am currently waiting to hear back from their team. Just the process of applying made me feel more connected to the design community, and I am excited about the possibility of learning directly from professionals at the event.
Another milestone was publishing my work using Netlify. This was my first time deploying websites on a live platform. Seeing my code come to life online gave me a real sense of accomplishment. It made the projects feel more official and reminded me that even small student projects can grow into something worth sharing. I am still trying to fix some alignment problems that appear differently in certain browsers, which has been a good reminder that design and development do not always behave the same way everywhere. Debugging across browsers is a whole new challenge, but I know it is a valuable part of learning how to build responsive and consistent websites.
Looking back, these two weeks were full of small lessons that added up to something bigger. I am starting to feel more confident in my workflow and more comfortable solving design problems. Even though I am still sticking closely to instructions, I know that I am learning the basics the right way. Every new project is a chance to build on that foundation, and I am excited to keep going.