This case study examines a freelance web development project that I completed in early 2025. It details the project’s scope, challenges, technical decisions, execution process, outcomes, and lessons learned.
1. Role and Scope
1.1 Project Context and Timeline
I accepted this assignment as my first freelance job while completing my apprenticeship and final year of studies.
Drinkee, a startup specializing in the rental of self-service beverage machines for events and social venues, approached me with no strict deadline. This flexibility allowed me to allocate one to two hours on weekday evenings and additional time on weekends across a three-month span.1.2 Objectives and Personal Goals
The primary objective was to design and develop a web showcase that presents Drinkee’s machines in a clear and engaging manner.
From a personal standpoint, I aimed to advance my expertise in modern web design, 3D model optimization, and client communication by managing all aspects of the project from conception to delivery.2. Problem and Context
2.1. Business Requirements
In 2024 Drinkee secured high-profile partnerships with the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 24 Heures du Mans, Roland-Garros and many more. These collaborations underscored the need for a polished online presence capable of highlighting machine features and reinforcing brand credibility in front of event organizers and attendees.
2.2 Limitations of the Existing Website
At the project’s outset, Drinkee’s website was generated by AI tools and lacked search engine optimization. It failed to convey the brand’s identity and did not effectively showcase product details, leading to low engagement and missed marketing opportunities.
2.3 Client Discovery and Constraints
A kickoff video call established the client’s expectations, content requirements, and my availability. We agreed on weekly review meetings every Thursday to assess progress and gather feedback. In the interim, I maintained a dynamic task list with estimated durations and priorities, updated every Sunday evening to guide the upcoming week’s work.
3. Process and Technical Choices
3.1 Selecting a Content Management System
After evaluating project requirements and the client’s need for future content edits, I chose Webflow as the CMS platform. Its visual editor eliminated the need for a custom frontend framework, accelerated development, and provided Drinkee’s team with an intuitive interface for ongoing updates.
3.2 Crafting the User Experience and Design System
I mapped user flows and developed wireframes to define the site’s information architecture and navigation. In Figma, I constructed a design system using Drinkee’s logo and primary brand color, creating reusable components for headings, buttons, and content layouts. This approach ensured visual consistency and streamlined collaboration during design reviews.
3.3 Optimizing and Integrating 3D Models
Drinkee supplied original Blender files for two machine models intended for industrial partners. I reduced polygon counts by a factor of ten while preserving essential visual detail and added smoothing for a refined presentation. Using Spline’s Webflow plugin, I embedded interactive 3D previews that load efficiently in modern browsers.
3.4 Agile Workflow and Communication
Although I worked solo, I adopted an agile-inspired approach, breaking the project into weekly sprints aligned with client review sessions. All communication and file exchanges occurred on a dedicated Discord channel, where I posted progress updates, shared prototypes, and collected feedback to inform subsequent tasks.
4. Results
4.1 Launch and Performance
The revamped site went live at https://drinkee.io. Within days, analytics revealed a significant increase in organic traffic without any formal marketing campaign, indicating improved discoverability and user engagement.
4.2 Client and User Feedback
Event organizers, partners, and end users praised the site’s clarity, responsiveness, and aesthetics. Drinkee’s internal team reported that provided tutorial videos and documentation empowered them to make content updates independently, reducing reliance on external support.
4.3 Business Impact and Sustainability
While precise sales metrics remained private, the website now serves as a reliable marketing asset that supports Drinkee’s rapid growth. The self-service CMS and clear documentation ensure sustainable maintenance, allowing quick ad hoc changes for future events.
4.4 Website Overview
5. Lessons Learned
5.1 Project Management Insights
Managing a solo freelance project requires disciplined scheduling and clear communication. A prioritized task list, combined with regular client check-ins, ensures transparency and maintains momentum, even with limited personal availability.
5.2 Technical Takeaways
Webflow demonstrated superior flexibility over traditional CMS platforms like WordPress for a marketing-focused site. Hands-on experience in Blender taught me best practices in optimizing 3D assets for real-time web environments and improved my overall pipeline efficiency.
5.3 Client Handoff and Documentation
Delivering tutorial videos and concise documentation is critical for enabling non-technical clients to manage their site independently. Investing time in client education reduces long-term support needs and fosters client confidence.
Conclusion
This was a one-off assignment, and I don't think I'll be moving into freelancing for the time being, but I really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot, particularly in terms of project management and client communication. I realized that this aspect of freelance work is not insignificant, and I now understand why true freelancers need to surround themselves with other professionals to support them.
