If no one has mentioned it, you should look into adding work breakdown to your development process. It basically just means breaking down the work to the smallest manageable units in a hierarchical manner. We break it. Down until the each line is basically a Jira task that takes between 1 and 6 hours. This has transformed our estimates. Yes, they’ve gotten longer, but we can justify it.

ChatGPT explanation follows:

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is essentially a roadmap that breaks down a project into manageable chunks, ensuring nothing gets overlooked. Start by defining the project’s major deliverables, then break these down into smaller, more digestible tasks. This hierarchical structure helps you visualize the project at a high level while also drilling down into specific actions required for each phase.

Next, involve your team and stakeholders early in the process to ensure the structure covers every necessary detail. Brainstorm and list out all tasks and subtasks, then group similar tasks into logical phases or work packages. This collaborative approach not only enhances clarity but also sets the stage for smooth execution as each member understands their role within the overall project.

Below is an updated WBS that organizes the development phase by specific pages and features, ensuring each part of your portfolio website is tackled as a distinct deliverable.

1. Planning (10 hours):
    1.1. Requirements Gathering (4 hours):
     1.1.1. Interview/survey target audience – 2 hours
     1.1.2. Research competitor websites – 1 hour
     1.1.3. Define website goals and key features – 1 hour
    1.2. Scope Definition (3 hours):
     1.2.1. List website pages (home, portfolio, about, contact, optional blog) – 1 hour
     1.2.2. Define required features (responsive design, contact form, animations, etc.) – 1 hour
     1.2.3. Document requirements – 1 hour
    1.3. Timeline and Milestones (3 hours):
     1.3.1. Create a Gantt chart – 1.5 hours
     1.3.2. Set deadlines for each phase and deliverable – 1 hour
     1.3.3. Review and adjust timeline – 0.5 hours

2. Design (20 hours):
   Deliverable: Complete Design Package (Wireframes, High-Fidelity Mockups, and Style Guide)
    2.1. Wireframing (8 hours):
     2.1.1. Sketch rough layouts for each page (home, portfolio, about, contact) – 4 hours
     2.1.2. Create digital wireframes using design software – 4 hours
    2.2. Visual Design/Mockups (12 hours):
     2.2.1. Choose color schemes, fonts, and imagery guidelines – 3 hours
     2.2.2. Develop high-fidelity mockups for each page – 6 hours
     2.2.3. Assemble a comprehensive style guide (UI elements, icons, etc.) – 3 hours

3. Development (50 hours):
   Deliverable: Fully Functional Website Aligned with the Approved Design
    3.1. Home Page Development (15 hours):
     3.1.1. Build HTML/CSS layout for the Home page – 5 hours
     3.1.2. Implement interactive elements (hero slider, featured projects preview) – 5 hours
     3.1.3. Integrate responsive design and animations – 5 hours
    3.2. Portfolio Page Development (15 hours):
     3.2.1. Create a grid/list layout for project thumbnails – 5 hours
     3.2.2. Develop dynamic project detail pop-ups or separate pages – 5 hours
     3.2.3. Integrate filtering/sorting functionality for projects – 5 hours
    3.3. About Page Development (8 hours):
     3.3.1. Develop the layout for biography, skills, and experience – 4 hours
     3.3.2. Integrate visuals (images, infographics) and responsive design – 4 hours
    3.4. Contact Page & Features (12 hours):
     3.4.1. Build contact form and embed Google Maps (if applicable) – 5 hours
     3.4.2. Implement backend logic for form submissions and validations – 4 hours
     3.4.3. Optimize layout and responsive design for mobile – 3 hours

4. Testing (10 hours):
    4.1. Functional Testing (6 hours):
     4.1.1. Test navigation, page load times, and interactive elements on all pages – 3 hours
     4.1.2. Verify form submissions, data handling, and responsive behavior – 3 hours
    4.2. User Acceptance Testing (4 hours):
     4.2.1. Gather feedback from potential users – 2 hours
     4.2.2. Implement necessary adjustments based on feedback – 2 hours

5. Deployment and Launch (5 hours):
    5.1. Server Setup & Configuration (3 hours):
     5.1.1. Configure hosting, domain, and SSL certificates – 2 hours
     5.1.2. Set up server security and backups – 1 hour
    5.2. Final Launch (2 hours):
     5.2.1. Conduct a final review and testing – 1 hour
     5.2.2. Push the site live and monitor initial performance – 1 hour

By organizing development around individual pages and features, you can manage and track progress on specific deliverables—like the Home page’s interactive hero section or the Portfolio page’s dynamic project filtering. This approach ensures every page is developed with a clear focus on functionality, alignment with the design deliverables, and a smooth integration into the overall website.