Design-led website · UX, visual design and front-end build

Overview

Software 88 is a technology-focused business that needed a clear, modern website to communicate its offering, build trust, and scale content over time. The goal was to move away from generic layouts and create a design system that felt intentional, structured, and easy to evolve.

I led the project end-to-end from UX and visual design through to front-end implementation.

My Role

• UX & visual design (Figma)

• Information architecture & content hierarchy

• Component and layout system design

• Front-end build (Nuxt.js)

• Structured content planning (WordPress-ready mindset)

The Challenge

• Clarify complex offerings into a simple, scannable structure

• Create a professional, credible visual language without over-design

• Ensure layouts were flexible and reusable across future pages

• Build a front end that was fast, responsive, and easy to extend

UX & Design Approach

I started by restructuring the site around clarity first:

• Defined a clear content hierarchy for each page

• Designed layouts around reading flow, not decoration

• Prioritised spacing, rhythm, and typographic contrast

• Designed reusable UI components rather than one-off sections

The design system was built to scale — consistent sections, predictable patterns, and flexible layouts that could support new content without redesigning the site each time.

Visual Design

• Clean, restrained visual language

• Strong typography and spacing to guide attention

• Subtle interaction states to add polish without distraction

• Component-based layouts for consistency across pages

All screens were designed in Figma before any build work began, ensuring design intent was clear and deliberate.

Build & Implementation

I built the front end using Nuxt.js, translating the designs directly into code without compromise.

Key points:

• Fully bespoke front end — no templates or pre-built UI kits

• Responsive layouts built mobile-first

• Semantic, accessible HTML structure

• Component-driven architecture aligned with the design system

Although this project used a modern front-end stack, the site was designed with structured CMS content in mind, making it compatible with WordPress (including ACF-driven content models) if required.

Outcome

• A clear, professional website aligned with the company’s positioning

• Strong design consistency across pages

• A scalable foundation for future content and features

• A design-led build where UX, visuals, and implementation stayed aligned