GoLocal

GoLocal is a platform built to help students access exclusive deals at local businesses in universities across the UK. It was developed as a portfolio project rather than a commissioned venture.

Designing GoLocal: Crafting a Student-Centric Platform for Local Deals


Project Overview

As a self-initiated portfolio project, I designed and developed the GoLocal Student Card website to showcase my skills in web design and development. The platform aims to connect students with exclusive discounts at local businesses in Newcastle upon Tyne, fostering community engagement and supporting local enterprises. This project was not commissioned by GoLocal but served as a practical application of my technical and creative abilities.



Objectives

  • User-Centric Design: Create an intuitive and engaging interface tailored for students seeking local deals.

  • Responsive Layout: Ensure seamless accessibility across various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops.

  • Highlight Local Partnerships: Showcase participating businesses and their offers to encourage student patronage.

  • Streamlined Sign-Up Process: Facilitate easy enrollment for students to access exclusive deals.


Design Choices

  • Visual Aesthetics: Employed a clean and modern design with vibrant accents to appeal to a younger demographic.

  • Typography: Selected legible fonts that maintain readability across devices.

  • Imagery: Utilized high-quality images of partner businesses to create a visual connection with users.

  • Navigation: Implemented a straightforward menu structure for easy access to different sections of the site.


Development Approach

  • Platform: Built the website using Framer, leveraging its capabilities for rapid prototyping and responsive design.

  • Interactivity: Incorporated interactive elements to enhance user engagement and provide a dynamic browsing experience.

  • Performance Optimization: Ensured fast loading times and smooth transitions to improve user satisfaction.


Outcome

The final product is a responsive, visually appealing website that effectively communicates the value proposition of the GoLocal Student Card. It serves as a testament to my capabilities in web design and development, demonstrating proficiency in creating user-focused digital solutions.