2025 Redesign My Website

How I redesigned my entire website using Daisy UI, embracing simplicity and modern design principles.

When I first launched rakarasell.dev back in 2021, I was riding the wave of the "hype" tech stack: NextJS and Vercel. My goal was simple—create a personal website that was cost-effective, easy to deploy, and a platform to showcase my work while learning TypeScript. Little did I know, this project would evolve into a journey of continuous learning and improvement.

The Early Days: From WordPress to NextJS

Initially, I started with a .com domain and WordPress, thinking it would be the easiest way to get a website up and running. However, I quickly realized that managing WordPress was more complicated than I anticipated. The setup felt overwhelming, and I struggled to customize it to my liking. Frustrated, I decided to take matters into my own hands and build something from scratch.

That’s when I discovered NextJS and Vercel. The combination of these tools allowed me to create a fast, scalable, and cost-effective website. I was also determined to learn TypeScript, so I made it a core part of the project. The initial version of my website was built with NextJS, Tailwind CSS, and Shadcn UI, which made development a breeze. These tools helped me quickly prototype and deploy a functional website that served as both a portfolio and a learning platform.

Why Redesign in 2025?

Fast forward to 2025, and it was time for a refresh. Technology evolves rapidly, and so do design trends. I wanted my website to reflect my growth as a developer and embrace modern design principles. This time, I decided to use Daisy UI, a component library built on top of Tailwind CSS. Daisy UI offered a clean, minimalist design system that aligned perfectly with my vision for the redesign.

The Redesign Process

  1. Simplifying the Design:

The new design focuses on simplicity and usability. I removed unnecessary clutter and prioritized a clean, intuitive layout. Daisy UI’s pre-built components made it easy to achieve a polished look without spending hours on custom CSS.

  1. Improving Performance:

Performance has always been a priority for me. During the redesign, I optimized images, reduced JavaScript bundle sizes, and implemented lazy loading to ensure the website loads quickly, even on slower connections.

  1. Enhancing Accessibility:

Accessibility was another key focus. I ensured the website was fully navigable via keyboard and screen readers, and I used Daisy UI’s built-in accessibility features to improve the overall user experience.

  1. Adding New Features:

The redesign also introduced new features, such as a dark mode toggle, a more detailed project showcase, and a blog section (where you’re reading this post!). These additions make the website more functional and engaging for visitors.

Lessons Learned

This redesign taught me the importance of iterative improvement. A website is never truly "finished"—it evolves as you grow. By embracing tools like Daisy UI and staying up-to-date with modern web development practices, I was able to create a website that not only looks great but also performs well and is easy to maintain.

Looking Ahead

As I continue to grow as a developer, I’m excited to see how rakarasell.dev will evolve in the future. Whether it’s experimenting with new technologies, adding more content, or refining the user experience, this website will always be a reflection of my journey.

If you’re thinking about building or redesigning your own website, my advice is simple: start small, embrace the tools that work for you, and don’t be afraid to iterate. The web is constantly changing, and so should your website.

Previous Design

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