Build web-based software applications reflection:
What I Knew Coming Into the Program
Before starting the program, I already understood the basics of front-end web development — HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript. I could design and build simple websites and put them online, but I hadn’t yet worked in a professional setting or managed a full project from start to finish.
In my Dev Diary post “Sparkleen Services First Website,” I mentioned it was my first long-term project. I knew the general steps of web development (design → build → launch), but I still needed to learn about client communication, workflow optimization, testing, and site maintenance.
What I Gained by Completing the Program
Through the program, I gained:
- Project management skills: I learned how to plan, organize, and complete a project from kickoff to launch.
- Portfolio projects: I created two key pieces — Sparkleen Services Website and Random Monster Generator — showing both professional web design and creative coding skills.
- Confidence: I became more comfortable presenting my work, explaining my process, and taking ownership of results.
My “Random Monster Generator Version 0.2!” post shows how I moved beyond basic web pages to create an interactive tool, reflecting my growth in JavaScript and design creativity.
How I Demonstrated These Outcomes
- Sparkleen Services Website:
I designed and built a full website, ensuring it worked across devices and met the client’s needs for branding and usability. This showed my ability to manage real projects, communicate with clients, and deliver a polished final product. - Random Monster Generator:
I developed an interactive web app using scripting and UI design. Updating it to Version 0.2 showed that I could test, improve, and refine my work — demonstrating technical growth and creativity.
Together, these projects prove I can take a web project from concept to launch, work with feedback, and deliver results that meet both creative and technical goals.
Website Program Outcomes
Implement a front-end user interface
(1) When I started, I had basic knowledge from high school coding clubs, like simple HTML pages, but lacked depth in responsive design or modern frameworks.
(2) Courses built my skills in CSS frameworks (e.g., Bootstrap) and JavaScript libraries, emphasizing accessibility and user interaction.
(3) I demonstrated this outcome by sharing the following link. Link: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/EWTT/M3/M3P1.php
Implement a back-end web application.
(1) I entered with a rudimentary understanding of databases from studying Python but no hands-on server-side experience.
(2) Courses taught server architecture, API development, and security using Node.js, focusing on scalable back-ends.
(3) During a class project, I built a secure user authentication system for a web platform. Link: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/EWTT/M3/M3P2_doc.php
Apply customer experience guidelines
(1) I had intuitive ideas about good design but no formal training in UX principles or testing.
(2) Courses covered usability heuristics, A/B testing, and inclusive design, integrating empathy-driven feedback loops.
(3) I applied the skills I learned in class and used them to make a successful mock e-commerce website for a dairy farm. Link: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/redbovinedairyfarms/
Integrate web data technologies
(1) I knew basic SQL but struggled with real-time data flows or API integration’s.
(2) Courses explored APIs, database optimization, and data visualization tools.
(3) For this outcome, the following link is used: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/Random-Monster-Generator/
Build web-based software applications
(1) I could code individual components but hadn’t assembled full applications end-to-end.
(2) Courses emphasized full-stack workflows, version control, and deployment strategies.
(3) For this outcome, I made a tip calculator to help people make better tips! Link: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/tip-calc/
Develop project documents
(1) I wrote basic notes but lacked structured documentation skills.
(2) Courses taught documentation standards, including specs, wire frames, and progress reports.
(3) https://robinsonsdesigns.com/redbovinedairyfarms/ is the link to the outcome for the dairy farm project that I was apart of.
Mobile Program Outcomes
Gather mobile requirements
(1) I had casual app ideas but no methodical approach to user research or requirements analysis.
(2) Courses introduced identifying mobile applications requirements, and prioritization techniques.
(3) I made a standard tip-calculator for a iPhone. Link: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/tip-calc/
Design mobile applications
(1) I sketched basic interfaces but lacked knowledge of mobile-specific design patterns.
(2) Courses covered prototyping tools, gesture-based interactions, and platform guidelines.
(3) The tip calculator was used for this outcome: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/tip-calc/
Integrate mobile data technologies
(1) I understood basic data concepts but not mobile-specific integrations like offline syncing.
(2) Courses delved into mobile APIs, cloud storage, and performance optimization.
(3) For a project, I used API for dungeons and dragons monster generator app. Link: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/Random-Monster-Generator/
Build mobile applications
(1) I had dabbled in simple apps but no experience with native development or testing.
(2) Courses taught cross-platform tools (e.g., React Native) and debugging for iOS/Android.
(3) I built a music player app. Link: http://practice.robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/cattymusic/
Develop technical documentation for mobile applications
(1) I documented code informally but not comprehensively for mobile projects.
(2) Courses emphasized API docs, user guides, and version tracking for mobile ecosystems.
(3) I am adding the old version with the new one to show the versions for the monster generator app: https://devdiary.robinsonsdesigns.com/dev-blog/portfolio/195/ and older version: https://devdiary.robinsonsdesigns.com/dev-blog/projects/182/
Implement current platforms support
(1) I knew apps needed compatibility but lacked strategies for multi-platform deployment.
(2) Courses covered testing frameworks, emulators, and platform-specific optimizations.
(3) This has been tested both IOS and android devices: https://robinsonsdesigns.com/apps/tip-calc/