Tag: css

I ❤️ Figma!

The past two weeks have been really productive and full of learning. I have improved my understanding of web layouts, CSS techniques, and design tools. Each week, I worked on different exercises and projects that helped me practice and apply what I learned in a meaningful way.

Week 5: Flexbox and CSS Layouts

In Week 5, we focused on Flexbox layouts and CSS positioning. I started with the Web Layout Overview & Review, which was a great refresher on structuring web pages. Then, I worked on the Flexbox Layout Challenges, which helped me practice arranging elements efficiently.

One of the most interesting tasks was the Convert Coffee Shop Website to Flexbox assignment. This activity helped me see how Flexbox is used in real-world layouts. I found it really useful because it made me think about how to structure a page in a more flexible and responsive way.

I also participated in the CSS Layout Discussion, where we talked about different layout strategies and how they apply to modern web design. It was helpful to hear different perspectives and learn from others’ experiences.

Week 6: CSS Grid and Midterm Preparation

In Week 6, we shifted our focus to CSS Grid, which is another powerful layout system. I worked on Gridspiration and the Introduction to CSS Grid & Grid Challenges. These activities helped me understand how Grid works differently from Flexbox and when to use each one.

One of the projects I really enjoyed was the Bakery Site Challenge. It required applying both Flexbox and Grid, and it made me think carefully about which layout system to use for different parts of the page. This challenge helped me feel more comfortable combining both techniques in my designs.

Midterm Project & Figma

A big part of this week was preparing for my midterm project. For my project, I decided to design a movie landing page. The assignment suggested using a new movie, but I chose my favorite movie, The Shawshank Redemption. I wanted to work on something I really enjoy, and I felt that this movie’s theme and visuals would make for an interesting design.

I used Figma to create the designs for my midterm project, and I am really happy about this. Figma is my favorite platform for web and interaction design. It allows me to organize my ideas visually, create clean wireframes, and design high-quality layouts. I feel confident using Figma because it has all the tools I need to experiment with different layouts and styles before writing any code. This step was really important because it helped me plan my project before starting the development process.

Reflections & Looking Ahead

These past two weeks have helped me build a stronger foundation in CSS layout techniques. I now feel more comfortable using both Flexbox and Grid, and I understand when to use each one. The hands-on exercises and projects were really helpful in making these concepts clearer.

Working on my midterm project in Figma was a great experience, and I am excited to move forward with the development phase. I plan to focus on making my movie landing page both visually appealing and functional.

Overall, I feel that I have learned a lot in these two weeks, and I am excited to continue improving my design and coding skills in the upcoming weeks.

Good Boy Fetches My Files, and Occasionally Loses Them!

Lately, I’ve been getting more into web design, and honestly, it’s been a mix of excitement, frustration, and way too much time spent tweaking tiny details. Typography, FTP, and building my portal page have been my main focus, and each has come with its own set of surprises.

Typography has been one of my favorite parts. I always knew fonts mattered, but I never realized how much they shape the entire feel of a website. Picking the right font isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making sure people can actually read what you’re putting out there. I also got way too into typography games (yes, they exist, and yes, they’re weirdly addictive). Who knew I’d be out here kerning letters for fun? But honestly, playing those games helped me understand how small adjustments can make a design look polished or completely off.

On the more technical side, I’ve been using Fetch as my FTP client to upload my work. It’s pretty satisfying to drag and drop files and see my updates go live. At first, it felt a little intimidating—like, one wrong move and everything could disappear—but once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t bad at all. The key lesson? Keep files organized. Because trust me, trying to find the right version of a file in a mess of randomly named folders is not fun.

And then, there’s my portal page: Samet Kaya – Portal Page. It’s the hub for everything I’m working on, and designing it was a fun challenge. I wanted to make sure it was simple, clear, and easy to navigate—because if people have to think too hard about where to click, they probably won’t click at all. I focused on keeping the layout clean and making sure the important stuff was easy to find. So far, I’m happy with it, but let’s be real—I’ll probably keep tweaking it forever.

Web design has definitely been a learning experience, but I love how it’s a mix of creativity and problem-solving. One day I’m picking fonts, the next I’m troubleshooting an upload issue, and somehow, it all comes together. Now, onto the next challenge (or maybe just another round of typography games).

Parallax and Bootstrap in CSS

Week 12 of this semester focused on utilizing CSS parallax and Bootstrap. Both are valuable features that enhance website aesthetics and streamline the design process. I’ve discovered that parallax is particularly effective for storytelling and product presentation, as it adds a visually appealing element to the website. However, it’s crucial to exercise moderation, as excessive use can lead to monotony and repetition.

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AAD86 – Weeks 11 & 12

Similarly to past weeks, Weeks 11 and 12 were fun but challenging in their own ways! Week 11 was our introduction to Sass alongside getting the solutions to the Sacramento Writer’s and Zen Music Festival pages. Week 12 was simple and straightforward, and focused on our introduction to Parallax and the beginnings of our final project.

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Lisa’s Learning Journal: Week 12

When does a tool become a gimmick? (And when does a gimmick become a headache…)

The last couple of weeks have flown by a bit faster than I expected. Last week, we got to play around with Sass, which I actually had some fun with. It reminded me of my time tackling object-oriented programming a few semesters ago. Sass came more naturally to me than I thought it would. That being said, I don’t know how often I will implement Sass in my own web coding career. 

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