Portfolio plugin | Marios Sofokleous

Overview

Portfolio is a custom October CMS plugin I developed to create interactive, visually stunning portfolio lists with a Masonry layout. This project originated while working on the PPC Pool Services website, which required a dynamic "Projects" section to showcase service-specific galleries. Since no existing plugins met the requirements, I took the initiative to design and build Portfolio from scratch.

Many portfolio plugins lack features like dynamic filtering and detailed photo descriptions, often requiring cumbersome workarounds. Portfolio addresses these challenges by offering:

AJAX-powered updates: Instantly refresh the list based on category selection without reloading the page
Interactive modal dialogs: Provide rich descriptions for each item in a sleek popup format
Customizable layouts: Allow businesses to tailor designs to their needs

Disclaimer

This plugin uses AJAX for dynamically updating content, which may not be fully SEO-friendly. As a result, this implementation is best suited for websites prioritizing user experience and interactivity over organic search engine visibility.

Key features

Dynamic category filters: Organize and explore projects by category with no page reloads
Interactive modal dialogs: Click on projects to view detailed descriptions in a popup
Masonry layout: Pinterest-inspired design with ragged bottoms for a polished look
Customization options: Adjust column count, spacing, colors, and more
Loading indicators: Inform users during AJAX requests for better interactivity
Responsive design: Optimized for all devices, ensuring galleries look great everywhere

Visuals

Masonry layout

Masonry grid of projects and category filters on the left, and an open modal dialog showing project details on the right. Dynamic portfolio list with instant category filtering and a modern masonry layout. Rich project details displayed in an elegant modal popup.

Single project edit screen

Backend form in October CMS for editing the details of an individual portfolio project. Backend form for editing individual project details.

Projects management screen

Dashboard interface for searching, ordering, and managing all portfolio projects in October CMS. Dashboard for searching, ordering, and managing all projects.

"Portfolio List" component

Configuration panel for the 'Portfolio List' component, displaying layout and display customization options. "Portfolio List" component offering extensive layout and display customization.

Responsive design

Portfolio plugin interface displayed on a tablet screen (left) and a desktop screen (right), illustrating adaptive layout across different devices. Portfolio adapts seamlessly across all devices for an optimal user experience.

Conclusion

Building the Portfolio plugin was a rewarding and insightful experience. Faced with the absence of existing plugins that met the specific requirements for PPC Pool Services, I seized the opportunity to develop a tailored solution. This process allowed me to:

Identify gaps in existing tools and take initiative to address them
Deepen my expertise in October CMS plugin development while solving real-world problems

Interested in learning more about my work? See how my skills can contribute to your team by exploring other projects or connecting with me on LinkedIn.

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