Overview
This case study outlines the development of a responsive recipe website undertaken over a 10-week period. This project was an individual endeavor, allowing for focused exploration and implementation of PHP and database interactions. The primary objective was to leverage PHP for dynamic data retrieval from a database while implementing search and filter functionalities. The project marked key milestones, including the introduction and implementation of PHP, with local testing facilitated by tools like MAMP. The result is a responsive user-friendly website that dynamically pulls and presents 37 recipes from the database, along side their detailed recipes.
Context and Challenge
Undertaken as an individual project, the initiative stemmed from a class assignment to explore PHP and database interactions. Challenges included navigating PHP for the first time, resolving database errors, and creating a visually professional website using HTML and CSS.
Problem: This project aims to explore the functionality within PHP to integrate databases in HTML and CSS designs.
Goal: Dynamically retrieve all 37 recipes, incorporate effective search and filter options.
Process and Insight
The design process included first coming up with a style tile for the color scheme, font and logo branding used for the website.
Wireframes were created for the design layout and before proceeding to code out the design.
The development process began with crafting HTML and CSS for the website. PHP integration followed, dynamically pulling recipes from the database. Search functionality was implemented using HTML forms, and filtering was achieved through PHP queries. Key insights included user-centric design elements like filter options for proteins, nutritional information, and an aesthetically pleasing color scheme.
Solution
The final solution is a responsive recipe website boasting a cohesive color scheme, easy navigation, and user-centric features. Filter options for proteins, added nutritional information on recipe cards, and a visually appealing interface contribute to an enhanced user experience. Custom fonts and a well-defined style guide further elevate the design.
Results
The project achieved success by meeting defined objectives: dynamic retrieval of all 37 recipes, seamless search and filter functionalities, and a positive user experience. Future improvements could involve refining PHP code and exploring additional features for an enriched user experience. Something I would change about my approach would be to first spend more time cleaning up the database and editing it to ensure all the information was present before coding out the designs and integrating the PHP code.