-
-
-
Homepages - Template Overview
-
Service + Feature - Template Overview
-
Miscellaneous - Template Overview
-
Multiple Blog + Pricing Templates
-
Theme Settings - Typography
-
Theme Settings - Brand Color
-
Theme Settings - Button Styles
Our Inspiration:
It's simple: Bluleadz wanted to create an easy-to-use theme pack that could really help non-developers create their own unique pages - and that's exactly what we've achieved! With a sleek design, modern-style modules, pre-made templates - you're guaranteed a beautiful website.
*Our Process: *
Instead of designing full template/page mockups, we started the entire process of designing the modules. We started with multiple base modules and made different modifications and layout options to each, which in the end created 3-5 variances for each. This thought process helped get us into the development phase more efficiently. When going into the development phase we started with our base theme settings. We did some research and wanted to make sure we gave just the right "global" options to the customer so the options can then directly be relayed to the custom modules/code. With this, we removed a lot of the "double-duty" work, for example, it negated the overwork of having to choose the same branded color over and over again when creating templates/pages.
Our Challenges:
We ran into a few challenges along the way - the biggest was being able to cut down our original project of 80+ modules and cutting it down to a max of 50. This was our biggest challenge yet. Why? Because we wanted to make modules easy-to-use while still having the flexibility to use in multiple layouts. Our solution was to cut modules that didn't have specific added value and consolidate modules that could serve as multi-purpose layouts. With this route, we had to make sure we kept in line with our main goal - "don't over complicate a simple module".
Our Accomplishments:
Our biggest accomplishment stems from how easy-to-use the modules and templates are. Building from a modular mindset really helped us stay organized during the whole process. We designed what each module should have featured and thought through how they functioned and differed from the others. We found this process to be less conflicting during the module review process and really created a more efficient workflow. When it came to creating the pages for the theme pack - we already had all the modules quality checked and made the page creation quick and easy! After everything though we are extremely proud of not only the design but the ease of it all.
Along with the pre-made templates, custom modules, theme options, and demo pages, we also created a documentation page that is solely dedicated to the Aurora Theme Pack. The documentation page will remain online and be an added resource for customers to utilize when needed.
Aurora Demo Pages Aurora Documentation
What We've Learned:
We've learned A LOT throughout this entire process. We spent about two months designing, building, and quality checking this theme pack. Our biggest lessons learned have been to create clean easy-to-ready CSS code, build modules with groups and styles/classes that directly pull from the theme settings, and give the user custom layouts without leaving the customer frustrated or overwhelmed. We also learned many new things when working in the CLI, for most of us - it was our first time working with HubSpot themes and getting up-to-speed took a bit. All in all, we have learned that leading a design with a modular approach works better and more efficient, developing piece-by-piece and in stages allows for fewer mistakes, giving enough time for quality checking is an absolute must, and not having "too" many hands in the pot creates less friction and gets the project to the finish line with fewer hold-ups.
What's Next:
Our next plan for the Aurora Premium Pack is to create a smaller starter theme pack with fewer modules and pre-made templates. The reason for this is that we want to be sure that we are allowing smaller companies to have a starter pack that better fits their needs. After that, we hope to continue our efforts towards creating a brand new pack with a new tech/modern design and custom modules that include more animation.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.