Case Study Super Space Goose

Bespoke digital wireframe and layout design sketching for custom websites

Let's get strategic

I built the Super Space Goose website to give prospective clients a working example of my design and development capabilities. Instead of relying on static mockups or promises, the site lets visitors experience the visual artwork, site speed, and functionality for themselves.

As the digital front door for my business, the project was an opportunity to combine custom illustration with hand-crafted code, taking the build from pencil sketches to a fully operational site over several months.

Handcrafted custom space station visual design layout by Super Space Goose

But it all comes down to why

Every illustration began in my sketchbook before being recreated in Adobe Illustrator. Developing the visual identity alongside the code ensured that the artwork, layouts, and copy worked together from the start.

Rich visual character often comes at the expense of speed. To keep the site responsive, I carefully optimised how imagery was prepared and how the pages were built. Visitors can enjoy a distinct visual style without waiting for heavy assets to load.

Architecture built for maintainability

A site must be as straightforward to maintain as it is to browse. Rather than hardcoding repetitive elements across individual pages, I built shared modular components for navigation, footers, newsletter sign-ups, and contact prompts. Updating a single source component updates the site everywhere that element appears.

I chose a custom build using HTML, CSS, JavaScript ES modules, PHP, and SQL to retain full control over the underlying architecture. This structure provides a clean foundation for publishing future content without accumulating technical debt or relying on bloated templates.

As the project moved into areas I was less familiar with, I also used a customised AI development assistant as a learning and problem-solving tool. I configured it around the same vanilla-first approach I had chosen for the project, so its advice stayed relevant to the stack I was actually building. It helped me work through unfamiliar concepts and problems, but anything that became part of the site still had to make sense to me, be tested and fit the architecture I had already established.

Bespoke digital wireframe and layout design sketching for custom websites
Handcrafted custom space station visual design layout by Super Space Goose

Purpose-built backend tools

Behind the public interface, I developed custom tools to manage site content and review incoming enquiries. The enquiry management system gives me a secure, dedicated dashboard to track messages and follow up with leads, ensuring the site actively supports the conversations it creates.

Because these tools handle contact information, access control and data security were built directly into the workflow. The visual design attracts prospective clients, but the backend functionality supports the day-to-day operations.

Designed to stand out. Built to work.

To verify the quality of the build, I audited the site using Google Lighthouse. Months after launch, for desktop the site maintains a 100 out of 100 score across performance, accessibility, best practices, and search engine optimisation.

Proper site structure and meta data enabled the site to rank at the top of Google search results for the brand name within a week of launch as well as Google AI search result.

For someone choosing a designer and developer, this project show cases my process: developing a visual identity, executing clean code, and building systems that work seamlessly long after launch.

Development: Built with HTML, CSS, JavaScript (ES modules), PHP, SQL, and original artwork created in Adobe Illustrator.

Screenshot of the Super Space Goose homepage taken on 20 September 2026 showing 100 out of 100 scores for all four Google lighthouse tests
Creative asset discovery and brand consultation blueprint sessions with the Goose

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