Website Design Process

A detailed explanation of how Cookie's website was designed and developed, from concept to completion.

Design Philosophy

The design approach for Cookie's website was inspired by the warm, friendly, and approachable nature of schnauzers themselves. I wanted to create a digital space that felt as welcoming and charming as Cookie's personality.

Drawing inspiration from modern, clean design aesthetics seen in professional portfolios and creative agencies, I adapted these principles to create a pet-focused website that maintains sophistication while celebrating the joy and playfulness that dogs bring to our lives.

Key Design Decisions

Color Palette

The color scheme was carefully chosen to reflect Cookie's natural coloring and create a warm, inviting atmosphere:

  • Primary Brown (#8B7355): Inspired by Cookie's schnauzer coat
  • Secondary Beige (#D4C4A8): Soft, neutral tone for balance
  • Accent Saddle Brown (#A0522D): Rich accent for highlights
  • Background Cream (#FAF8F5): Warm, clean background
  • Text Colors: Dark charcoal and medium gray for readability

Typography

Georgia serif font was selected for its warmth and readability, creating a friendly yet professional appearance that complements the overall design aesthetic. The serif typeface adds a classic, timeless quality that reflects the enduring bond between humans and their canine companions.

Layout Structure

The website follows a clean, organized structure with consistent navigation and clear content hierarchy:

  • Sticky header: Easy navigation access on all pages
  • Flexbox layouts: Responsive design that works on all devices
  • Card-based content: Organized information in digestible sections
  • Consistent spacing: Harmonious visual rhythm throughout

File Organization

The website structure follows best practices for organization and maintainability:

  • Root directory: Contains only index.html and styles.css
  • Pages folder: All secondary HTML pages organized together
  • Images folder: Structured with subfolders for different content types
  • Semantic HTML: Proper use of header, main, section, article, and footer elements

Technical Implementation

Responsive Design

Mobile-first approach ensures the website looks great on all devices, from smartphones to desktop computers.

CSS Custom Properties

CSS variables make it easy to maintain consistent colors and spacing throughout the site.

Semantic HTML

Proper HTML structure improves accessibility and search engine optimization.

Performance Optimization

Optimized images and clean CSS ensure fast loading times and smooth user experience.

Design Reflection

Creating Cookie's website was an exercise in balancing professionalism with personality. The challenge was to create something that felt both polished and playful, much like Cookie herself.

The result is a website that serves as both a celebration of Cookie's unique personality and a practical resource for schnauzer enthusiasts. Each page tells part of Cookie's story while providing valuable information about schnauzer care and characteristics.

This project demonstrates how thoughtful design choices - from color selection to typography to layout - can create an emotional connection with visitors while maintaining usability and accessibility standards.