Document Information
Version: 1.0
Date: July 29, 2025
Purpose: Comprehensive technical documentation of portfolio website
Scope: Technology stack, design implementation, and architecture overview
David Muñoz Jensen - Portfolio Website Documentation
Executive Summary
Welcome to the comprehensive technical documentation of my portfolio website - a digital showcase that represents over 8 years of experience in interactive media design and full-stack development. This document serves as both a technical reference and a testament to my commitment to modern web development practices.
My portfolio website is built with a philosophy of performance-first design, accessibility-driven development, and user-centered experience. Every line of code, every design decision, and every interactive element has been carefully crafted to create a professional platform that not only showcases my work but demonstrates my technical capabilities.
As an Interactive Media Specialist with expertise spanning graphic design, web development, and digital artistry, I've created this platform to serve multiple audiences - from potential clients seeking creative solutions to fellow developers interested in modern web technologies. The website successfully bridges the gap between creative expression and technical excellence.
1. Project Overview
1.1 Vision & Purpose
My portfolio website is a reflection of my professional journey and creative vision. After collaborating with a wide range of clients and completing numerous projects, I realized the importance of having a platform that could showcase both my creative skills and technical expertise.
Core Purposes:
- Creative Showcase: Displaying my best work across graphic design, web development, branding, and digital art
- Technical Demonstration: Proving my web development skills through the website's own sophisticated implementation
- Client Conversion: Converting visitors into clients through strategic calls-to-action and compelling case studies
- Professional Networking: Connecting with fellow designers, developers, and industry professionals
- Brand Establishment: Solidifying my personal brand as a versatile creative professional
1.2 Audience Analysis
| Audience Segment |
Primary Needs |
Success Metrics |
| Potential Clients |
Portfolio review, pricing information, contact facilitation |
Contact form submissions, project inquiries |
| Employers/Recruiters |
Skills assessment, work samples, professional experience |
Resume downloads, LinkedIn connections |
| Fellow Creatives |
Inspiration, collaboration opportunities, technique insights |
Social media engagement, collaboration requests |
| Art Enthusiasts |
Visual inspiration, artistic process understanding |
Extended browsing sessions, social shares |
1.3 Strategic Objectives
Primary Goals:
- Lead Generation: Convert 15% of visitors into qualified leads through strategic contact forms and clear calls-to-action
- Brand Authority: Establish myself as a thought leader in interactive media design through comprehensive case studies and technical expertise
- Professional Network Expansion: Connect with industry professionals and potential collaborators through integrated social media and professional platforms
- Skill Demonstration: Showcase both creative and technical abilities through the website's own sophisticated implementation
- Client Education: Help potential clients understand the value of professional design and development services
2. Technology Stack & Architecture
The technological foundation of my portfolio website reflects my commitment to modern web development practices and performance optimization. Every technology choice has been made with specific goals in mind: performance, scalability, maintainability, and user experience.
2.1 Frontend Technologies
Core Technologies Foundation
HTML5 - Semantic Structure
I've implemented HTML5 with a focus on semantic markup that enhances both SEO and accessibility. Every element serves a purpose, from the strategic use of <section> and <article> tags to proper heading hierarchy that guides both users and search engines through the content structure.
| HTML5 Feature |
Implementation |
Benefit |
| Semantic Elements |
header, nav, main, section, article, aside, footer |
Improved SEO, accessibility, code maintainability |
| ARIA Labels |
aria-label, aria-describedby, role attributes |
Screen reader compatibility, WCAG 2.1 compliance |
| Meta Tags |
Open Graph, Twitter Cards, structured data |
Social media optimization, search visibility |
CSS3 - Advanced Styling Architecture
My CSS architecture follows modern best practices with a mobile-first approach. I've utilized advanced CSS3 features to create a visually striking yet performant interface that adapts seamlessly across all devices.
- Custom Properties (CSS Variables): Centralized color management and theming system
- Flexbox & Grid: Responsive layouts that adapt to content and screen size
- CSS Animations: Smooth transitions and micro-interactions that enhance user experience
- Modern Selectors: :has(), :where(), :is() for more efficient and maintainable code
- Container Queries: Component-based responsive design for true modularity
JavaScript ES6+ - Interactive Functionality
The JavaScript implementation focuses on progressive enhancement and performance optimization. I've written vanilla JavaScript modules that provide rich interactivity without sacrificing loading speed or accessibility.
JavaScript Features Implemented:
- Modular Architecture: ES6 modules for organized, maintainable code
- Intersection Observer API: Efficient scroll-based animations and lazy loading
- Web Components: Reusable UI components for consistent interface elements
- Service Workers: Offline functionality and performance caching
- Progressive Enhancement: Core functionality works without JavaScript
CSS Frameworks & Design System
| Framework/Tool |
Version |
Purpose |
Customization Level |
| Bootstrap 5 |
5.3.2 |
Responsive grid, utility classes |
Heavily customized with CSS variables |
| Custom SCSS |
Latest |
Unique design elements, animations |
100% custom implementation |
JavaScript Libraries & Performance
Carefully Selected Libraries:
Each JavaScript library has been chosen for specific functionality while maintaining performance standards. Total JavaScript bundle size is kept under 150KB gzipped.
- Swiper.js v8.4.5: Modern touch slider with hardware acceleration
- Bundle size: 38KB gzipped
- Features: Touch/swipe navigation, lazy loading, smooth transitions
- Performance: 60fps animations, minimal reflows
- Isotope v3.0.6: Masonry layout and filtering system
- Bundle size: 24KB gzipped
- Features: Responsive masonry, smooth filtering animations
- Performance: GPU-accelerated transforms, requestAnimationFrame
- GLightbox v3.2.0: Lightweight lightbox solution
- Bundle size: 18KB gzipped
- Features: Video support, responsive design, touch gestures
- Performance: CSS transforms, minimal DOM manipulation
- ScrollCue v2.0.0: Scroll-triggered animations
- Bundle size: 12KB gzipped
- Features: Intersection Observer based, customizable easing
- Performance: Passive event listeners, debounced calculations
Icon System & Visual Assets
| Icon Library |
Usage Context |
Format |
Optimization |
| FontAwesome 6 |
Social media, UI elements |
Web fonts (WOFF2) |
Subset loading, only used icons |
| Phosphor Icons |
Navigation, interface design |
SVG sprites |
Inline SVG, CSS customizable |
| Custom Icons |
Brand elements, specialized UI |
Optimized SVG |
Hand-coded, minimal markup |
2.2 Backend Technologies & Server Infrastructure
While the portfolio website is primarily frontend-focused, I've implemented a robust backend infrastructure to handle dynamic functionality, security, and performance optimization.
PHP 8.1+ - Server-Side Processing
I chose PHP for its reliability, widespread hosting support, and excellent performance characteristics for small to medium-scale applications. The implementation follows modern PHP best practices.
| PHP Component |
Implementation |
Security Features |
| Contact Form Handler |
email.php - Process and validate contact submissions |
CSRF protection, input sanitization, rate limiting |
| File Upload System |
upload.php - Secure file handling for portfolio items |
File type validation, size limits, virus scanning |
| Content Management |
default.php - Dynamic content rendering |
Output escaping, SQL injection prevention |
Server Architecture Decisions:
- Shared Hosting Optimization: Code designed to work efficiently within shared hosting constraints
- Caching Strategy: Browser caching, CDN integration, and PHP OPcache utilization
- Error Handling: Graceful degradation with user-friendly error messages
- Performance Monitoring: Built-in logging and performance metrics collection
My development workflow emphasizes efficiency, code quality, and maintainability. I use a carefully selected toolchain that supports rapid iteration while maintaining high standards.
Development Environment
| Tool Category |
Primary Tool |
Purpose |
Workflow Integration |
| Code Editor |
Visual Studio Code |
Primary development environment |
Extensions, IntelliSense, debugging |
| Version Control |
Git + GitHub |
Code versioning, collaboration |
Feature branches, automated deployment |
| CSS Preprocessing |
SCSS/Sass |
Advanced CSS features, modularity |
Watch mode, source maps, minification |
| Build Process |
Node.js + npm scripts |
Asset compilation, optimization |
Automated builds, deployment pipeline |
| Testing |
Browser DevTools, Lighthouse |
Performance testing, debugging |
Continuous monitoring, optimization |
Code Quality & Standards:
- ESLint Configuration: JavaScript linting with Airbnb style guide
- Prettier Integration: Consistent code formatting across all files
- Stylelint Setup: CSS/SCSS linting for maintainable stylesheets
- HTML Validation: W3C compliance checking and accessibility audits
- Performance Budgets: Automated alerts for asset size and performance metrics
2.4 Hosting & Deployment Strategy
The deployment strategy balances cost-effectiveness with performance and reliability. I've chosen a hosting solution that provides excellent value while maintaining professional standards.
Production Environment
The website is hosted on a carefully selected shared hosting platform that provides the perfect balance of features, performance, and cost for a portfolio website of this scale.
| Infrastructure Component |
Specification |
Performance Impact |
| Web Server |
Apache 2.4 with mod_rewrite |
Clean URLs, custom error pages, compression |
| PHP Version |
PHP 8.1+ with OPcache enabled |
30% faster execution, reduced memory usage |
| SSL Certificate |
Let's Encrypt with auto-renewal |
Security, SEO benefits, HTTP/2 support |
| CDN Integration |
Cloudflare free tier |
Global edge caching, DDoS protection |
Deployment Workflow:
- Local Development: Feature development and testing on localhost
- Staging Environment: Pre-production testing with production-like conditions
- Automated Deployment: Git-based deployment with rollback capabilities
- Performance Monitoring: Continuous monitoring with automated alerts
- Backup Strategy: Daily automated backups with 30-day retention
3. Design Philosophy & Creative Approach
My design philosophy centers on creating meaningful digital experiences that balance aesthetic appeal with functional excellence. Every design decision is intentional, serving both the user's needs and the brand's objectives while reflecting my personal artistic vision.
3.1 Core Design Principles
These principles guide every design choice I make, from color selection to typography, ensuring consistency and purpose throughout the entire user experience.
Visual Hierarchy & Information Architecture
I believe that good design guides users naturally through content, creating a logical flow that feels intuitive and effortless.
| Design Element |
Implementation Strategy |
User Impact |
| Typography Hierarchy |
Poppins for headings (impact), Inter for body (readability) |
Clear content structure, improved scanning |
| Color Psychology |
Teal (#379cac) for trust, light blue for tranquility |
Emotional connection, brand recognition |
| White Space Usage |
Strategic spacing creates breathing room and focus |
Reduced cognitive load, premium feel |
| Visual Flow |
Z-pattern reading flow with strategic placement |
Natural navigation, increased engagement |
My Design Philosophy in Action:
- "Form Follows Function": Every visual element serves a purpose beyond aesthetics
- "Less is More": Simplicity creates clarity and reduces decision fatigue
- "Consistency Builds Trust": Uniform patterns create predictable, comfortable experiences
- "Accessibility is Beauty": Inclusive design enhances usability for everyone
3.2 Color System & Psychology
Color choices in my portfolio aren't arbitrary—they're carefully selected to evoke specific emotions and create a cohesive brand experience that reflects my personality and professional approach.
Primary Color Palette Rationale
| Color |
Hex Value |
Psychology |
Usage Context |
| Teal Primary |
#379cac |
Trust, creativity, balance |
Primary accents, CTAs, highlights |
| Light Blue |
#d3ecf1 |
Calm, professional, clean |
Backgrounds, subtle elements |
| Pure Black |
#000000 |
Sophistication, elegance, focus |
Text, headers, strong contrast |
| Pure White |
#ffffff |
Clarity, simplicity, space |
Backgrounds, negative space |
Color Application Strategy:
- 60-30-10 Rule: White (60%) as primary, teal (30%) as secondary, black (10%) as accent
- Accessibility First: All color combinations exceed WCAG AAA contrast requirements
- Emotional Journey: Colors guide users from curiosity (teal) to trust (white space) to action (contrast)
- Brand Consistency: Color palette reflects my personal brand across all touchpoints
3.3 Typography System & Readability
Typography is the voice of visual design. I've carefully selected and configured fonts that not only look beautiful but also enhance readability and convey the right tone for my professional brand.
Font Selection Rationale
| Font Family |
Primary Use |
Characteristics |
Why I Chose It |
| Poppins |
Headings, titles, CTAs |
Geometric, friendly, modern |
Creates impact while remaining approachable |
| Inter |
Body text, captions, UI |
Optimized for screens, neutral |
Superior readability at all sizes and weights |
Typography Scale & Implementation:
- Modular Scale: 1.25 ratio for harmonious size relationships
- Line Height: 1.6 for body text, 1.2 for headings (optimal readability)
- Font Loading: Preload critical fonts, fallback system for performance
- Responsive Typography: Fluid scaling ensures readability across all devices
- Variable Fonts: Future-proofing with Inter's variable font technology
3.4 Layout & Composition Strategy
My approach to layout focuses on creating intuitive user paths while maintaining visual interest. Every section is designed to serve both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Grid System Philosophy
I use a flexible 12-column grid system that adapts to content needs rather than forcing content into rigid structures.
- Flexible Columns: Adapt grid to content hierarchy rather than equal spacing
- Asymmetrical Balance: Create visual interest while maintaining harmony
- Content-First: Grid serves content, not the other way around
- Responsive Breakpoints: Thoughtful transitions between device sizes
Composition Techniques I Employ:
- Rule of Thirds: Key elements positioned at intersection points for visual balance
- Golden Ratio: Natural proportions in section sizing and spacing
- Focal Points: Strategic use of contrast and scale to guide attention
- Rhythm & Repetition: Consistent patterns create visual cohesion
- Progressive Disclosure: Information revealed at appropriate moments
Primary Color: #379cac (Teal blue)
Accent Color: #d3ecf1 (Light blue)
Neutral Colors: Black (#000000) and White (#ffffff)
Background: Dark theme with strategic color highlights
Typography
- Primary Font: Poppins (headings) - Modern, geometric sans-serif
- Secondary Font: Inter (body text) - Highly legible, web-optimized
- Font Weights: Strategic use of 400 (regular) and 700 (bold)
3.2 User Experience (UX) Design
Navigation Design
- Primary Navigation: Horizontal navigation with dropdown menus
- Mobile Navigation: Off-canvas slide-out menu for optimal mobile experience
- Smooth Scrolling: Implemented for seamless section transitions
- Visual Feedback: Hover effects and active states for interactivity
- Home: Hero slider with multiple value propositions
- About: Personal story and statistics
- Services: Expandable accordion with service details
- Portfolio: Filterable grid showcasing work samples
- Contact: Form with anti-spam protection
3.3 Responsive Design Strategy
Breakpoint Strategy
- Mobile First: Design approach starting from mobile devices
- Breakpoints:
- Mobile: < 768px
- Tablet: 768px - 991px
- Desktop: 992px - 1199px
- Large Desktop: > 1200px
Adaptive Elements
- Grid System: Bootstrap's 12-column responsive grid
- Flexible Images: Responsive images with proper aspect ratios
- Touch-Friendly: Optimized touch targets for mobile devices
- Progressive Enhancement: Features that enhance the experience on capable devices
4. Technical Implementation
4.1 File Structure
Portfolio Website/
├── index.html # Main homepage
├── blog.html # Blog page
├── css/
│ ├── bootstrap.css # Bootstrap framework
│ ├── style.css # Main custom styles
│ ├── fontawesome.all.min.css
│ ├── glightbox.min.css
│ ├── phosphor.min.css
│ ├── scrollCue.min.css
│ └── swiper.min.css
├── js/
│ ├── script.js # Main JavaScript functionality
│ ├── contact.js # Contact form handling
│ ├── bootstrap.bundle.js
│ ├── glightbox.min.js
│ ├── isotope.pkgd.min.js
│ ├── scrollCue.min.js
│ ├── swiper-bundle.js
│ └── vanilla-counter.js
├── img/ # Image assets
│ ├── general/ # Logo and branding
│ ├── works/ # Portfolio pieces
│ ├── about/ # About section images
│ └── bg/ # Background images
├── font/ # Custom web fonts
├── uploads/ # User uploads directory
└── email.php # Contact form processor
4.2 Key Features Implementation
Hero Slider
- Technology: Swiper.js
- Features:
- Fade transition effects
- Autoplay with 8-second intervals
- Touch/swipe navigation
- Navigation arrows
- Responsive content positioning
Portfolio Grid
- Technology: Isotope.js + Bootstrap Grid
- Features:
- Masonry layout with varied item heights
- Category filtering (Web Development, Design, Branding, Photography)
- Smooth animations during filtering
- Responsive 3-column layout
- Lightbox integration for detailed views
- Security Features:
- Math-based CAPTCHA for spam prevention
- Server-side PHP validation
- XSS protection
- CSRF protection measures
- Image Optimization: Multiple image sizes for different screen densities
- Lazy Loading: Images load as they come into viewport
- Minified Assets: Compressed CSS and JavaScript files
- Caching Headers: Proper cache control for static assets
4.3 JavaScript Functionality
Core Features
// Smooth scrolling implementation
// Portfolio filtering with Isotope
// Mobile menu interactions
// Lightbox gallery functionality
// Form validation and submission
// Scroll-triggered animations
// Counter animations for statistics
Event Handling
- Click Events: Navigation, portfolio filtering, form submission
- Scroll Events: Progress indicators, sticky navigation
- Resize Events: Responsive behavior adjustments
- Touch Events: Mobile-optimized interactions
5. Content Strategy
5.1 Content Sections
Hero Section
- Purpose: Immediate value proposition and brand introduction
- Content: Multiple slides showcasing different aspects of expertise
- Call-to-Action: Direct links to About and Contact sections
About Section
- Personal Narrative: Journey in graphic design and web development
- Statistics: Quantified achievements (522+ works, 328+ clients, 10400+ hours)
- Visual Elements: Professional portrait with brand logo overlay
Services Section
- Service Categories:
- Logo Design
- Media Design
- Branding & Identity
- Web Design
- Format: Expandable accordions with detailed descriptions
- Visual Support: Professional headshot with brand elements
Portfolio Section
- Organization: Filterable grid by category
- Categories: Web Development, Design, Branding, Photography
- Presentation: Thumbnail grid with hover effects and lightbox details
- Layout: Masonry grid with varied item heights for visual interest
- Form Fields: Name, email, phone, message
- Security: Math-based CAPTCHA
- User Experience: Clear validation and feedback
5.2 SEO & Accessibility
SEO Implementation
- Meta Tags: Proper title, description, and viewport settings
- Semantic HTML: Proper heading hierarchy and semantic elements
- Alt Text: Descriptive alternative text for all images
- Schema Markup: Structured data for search engines
Accessibility Features
- Keyboard Navigation: Full keyboard accessibility
- Screen Reader Support: Proper ARIA labels and semantic markup
- Color Contrast: WCAG compliant color combinations
- Focus Management: Clear focus indicators
- Loading Speed: Optimized for fast initial page load
- Image Optimization: WebP format with fallbacks
- CSS Optimization: Minified and compressed stylesheets
- JavaScript: Minified with efficient DOM manipulation
6.2 Browser Compatibility
- Modern Browsers: Full support for Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
- Progressive Enhancement: Graceful degradation for older browsers
- Mobile Browsers: Optimized for mobile Safari and Chrome
6.3 Security Measures
- Form Protection: CAPTCHA and server-side validation
- XSS Prevention: Proper input sanitization
- Asset Security: Secure file upload handling
- Right-Click Protection: Disabled context menu for content protection
7. External Integrations
- Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Dribbble
- Implementation: Direct links with proper icon representation
- Target Behavior: External links open in new tabs
7.2 External Projects
- Blog Page: Integrated blog functionality
- Web Applications: Links to live projects:
- Outdoors Tools
- APOD API NASA
- Ontario Fisheries
- Fish Tracker
- Work Organizer
- ConcenTrick
- YouTube Integration: Embedded video content with GLightbox
- Image Galleries: Professional photography and design work
- Portfolio Pieces: High-resolution project showcases
8. Development Best Practices
8.1 Code Quality
- Semantic HTML: Proper document structure and accessibility
- CSS Organization: Modular CSS with clear commenting
- JavaScript Standards: ES6+ features with proper error handling
- Code Comments: Comprehensive documentation throughout
8.2 Responsive Design Implementation
- Mobile-First Approach: Progressive enhancement from mobile to desktop
- Flexible Layouts: CSS Grid and Flexbox for modern layouts
- Adaptive Images: Responsive image techniques
- Touch Optimization: Mobile-optimized interactions
8.3 Maintenance & Updates
- Version Control: Git-based workflow for updates
- Asset Management: Organized file structure for easy maintenance
- Documentation: Comprehensive code documentation
- Testing: Cross-browser and device testing protocols
9. Future Enhancements
9.1 Planned Features
Multi-language Support: Internationalization capabilities
9.2 Technical Improvements
- Progressive Web App: PWA implementation for mobile app-like experience
- Advanced Analytics: Enhanced user behavior tracking
- Performance Optimization: Further speed improvements
10. Conclusion
My portfolio website represents a sophisticated blend of modern web technologies, thoughtful design principles, and user-centered functionality. The implementation demonstrates expertise in both frontend development and design aesthetics, creating an effective platform for showcasing creative work and attracting potential clients.
The website successfully balances visual appeal with technical functionality, providing an engaging user experience while maintaining professional credibility. The responsive design ensures accessibility across all devices, while the organized content structure guides visitors through a compelling narrative of creative expertise.
This portfolio serves as both a showcase of creative work and a demonstration of technical web development capabilities, effectively supporting the professional goals of establishing credibility and attracting high-quality client relationships in the creative industry.
Document Version: 1.0
Last Updated: July 29, 2025
Author: David Muñoz Jensen