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Redesigned my portfolio, feedback appreciated.

5 years ago from , Lead Designer at Everchron

https://ivomynttinen.com

Hey DN, after 2 and a half years, I once again redesigned my website (that was actually the longest time one of my personal designs ever lastet).

I had multiple goals here:

  • update the visuals, reflect how my personal design style developed in the last years
  • completely refresh the portfolio section – almost every project I was showcasing got replaced by some more recent work I’ve done
  • simpler contact page
  • try out some fun technology: first time I’ve implemented PJAX and extensive image generation (for fully responsive images via srcset).
  • give the mobile designs a bit more love, mobile first approach this time
  • clean up my blog: deleted quite a few old articles that were not relevant anymore. Going to write some new articles about my process later this year.

I think it turned out pretty well, but I’d love to hear some other designers/devs opinions on it. Last time I received tons of really helpful feedback, thanks for that!

For reference (in case you did not see it in the past), here are some screenshots of my old design, before the refresh happened:

http://files.ivomynttinen.com/ivomynttinen.com_-5w8h2A5bsD.jpg

http://files.ivomynttinen.com/ivomynttinen.com_work-H9wQW2FyZv.jpg

http://files.ivomynttinen.com/ivomynttinen.com_contact-Se7Q76btJd.jpg

25 comments

  • Andrew C, 5 years ago

    Looks great — I'd interview you.

    One thing I thought was missing was UX Research. You showcase a lot of great UI and apps but don't delve at all in to any research. This isn't a massive dealbreaker (you can always learn that) — but it would be nice to show.

    4 points
  • Skyler Hughes, 5 years ago

    Really well done! The only thing I can think of and forgive me if Im not seeing it, but a photo of yourself? Might personalise it a bit more IMO. Something I am working on for my portfolio as well. Cheers!

    3 points
    • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 5 years ago

      Thanks Skyler. I was thinking about that as well but could not really find a great spot, as my home page is basically my about page. Another section would be necessary then, but I've no idea what to put there really.

      1 point
  • Malek Ben Halima, 5 years ago

    In your work section, you should explain what was the problem for each project and how you solved it. Explaining that you have a process to follow is very important.

    2 points
  • Mark LindopMark Lindop, 5 years ago

    Great redesign, love the layout, typography and the details such as the rotating arrow on 'Take me to the projects' is a great touch. One minor thing - the black links (shoot me a message) on blue background should be brighter, it looks like you dont want to be contacted.

    2 points
  • Adam ConradAdam Conrad, 5 years ago

    Really nice! One nit-pick: it should be Clients and not Client's

    2 points
  • Mantas E. V., 5 years ago

    That looks… amazing. On desktop, at least. I like how the viewport changes the heading size. The animations, the typography, it’s all so crisp! If nothing, it’s inspiring!

    1 point
  • Andu PotoracAndu Potorac, 5 years ago

    The site is great, but there's some issues I see that I don't know if it's easy to translate into words. I'll give it my best shot:

    1. The page feels impersonal, more as the site of a company / brand than an individual. Maybe more experimentation and less formality would help.

    2. Although there's not a lot of content, the site is designed as if it would need to display a lot of content. Too many sections and page sections just make it overwhelming to navigate.

    All this or I'm just tired.

    1 point
  • Paul @StammyPaul @Stammy, 5 years ago

    I'd suggest removing or adjusting the page transition to be faster or less involved (not a full page movement). I felt like I was waiting on the animation when browsing around. Or do something like use localStorage to track if I've been on the page before and skip the animation. For example - even doing it when I click back in my browser is a bit much.

    1 point
  • Julian Moosbrugger, 5 years ago

    Very nice. I like the the structure and the content, especially the "Principles" part on the home page. One improvement: I expected the industries on the "Work" page to be filters. I actually tried to click them. Would be nice if they work in the same way the category filters work on the "Insights" page. If I'm a client i definitely want to see projects related to the industry I'm in.

    Otherwise, good job. Definitely an inspiration for my portfolio update coming soon. ;)

    1 point
    • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 5 years ago

      Thanks a lot!

      I think this is a good suggestion, but it won't be possible to implement in a way that makes sense. I'm showcasing a very limited amount of projects on my work page and some industry filters wouldn't even return any results.

      0 points
  • Saransh SinhaSaransh Sinha, 5 years ago

    This is beautiful, concise and addresses pretty much everything I'd have liked to see on a design portfolio. Great work Ivo! I'm just wondering what your thought process behind keeping your work under a separate navigation item was? I feel that a few links/project cards with thumbnails could be a good thing for the visitors who don't read what you've written.

    1 point
    • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 5 years ago

      Thanks! I'm featuring one project right now, in the header of the home page. I would like to expand that to be a fade-slider, showing a selection of maybe up to 4 of my projects. This didn't made it into this iteration because I finally wanted to get the damn site released, but I will definitely work on that when I have some more free time.

      0 points
      • Mikael StaerMikael Staer, 5 years ago

        Rule #1: don't use carousels.

        No one will see the other slides. Only make a carousel if you don't care if people see only one slide. If the information is important, then don't hide it.

        1 point
      • Saransh SinhaSaransh Sinha, 5 years ago

        That's great! I can relate to the struggle of trying (and failing to) perfect everything pre-launch. For what it's worth, I like the carousal idea. I'm sure you'll make something nice :)

        0 points
  • Kyle Y, 5 years ago

    Beautiful work! I'm so impressed.

    0 points
  • Maitrik Kataria, 5 years ago

    Hey Ivo, your website looks awesome!

    PS: I'd second Skyler though. I feel you could have an image of you in the background of 'Better Design, Better Experience' since you've personalised the text with your signature (correct me if I'm wrong) I think your snap will just add high-value to it.

    The copy, 'Ready to get started?' ('You know about me, let's talk about you'.), sounds more on the lines of 'Contact me'. You could possibly shift the link to your work above that.

    0 points
    • Ivo MynttinenIvo Mynttinen, 5 years ago

      Hey Matrik, thanks for the feedback.

      since you've personalised the text with your signature (correct me if I'm wrong) I think your snap will just add high-value to it.

      Have you probably checked out the screenshots of my previous designs? Because the new site has no signature anymore. For the new version I replaced that somewhat not relevant header picture of my fake office by actual work, which is, in my opinion more important than how I look like.

      0 points
      • Maitrik Kataria, 5 years ago

        My bad Ivo! I think I checked the previous version's screenshots. However, the overall look and feel of the new website is cool.

        0 points