Frontend Performance
A Performance Playbook for Personal Sites
The principles behind this site: static HTML, small CSS, tiny JavaScript, accessible markup, and visual polish that does not tax the browser.
A personal site should load quickly enough that the visitor feels the craft before they can name it.
The Stack
Static HTML is the default. CSS carries the visual identity. JavaScript is reserved for moments where interaction genuinely improves the experience.
The Budget
The most useful performance budget is emotional: nothing should block the first impression. Fonts, scripts, images, analytics, and animations all have to earn their place.
The Details
- Prefer system fonts unless a brand typeface is essential.
- Keep animations transform-based and respect reduced motion.
- Avoid large third-party libraries for simple interactions.
- Design the content hierarchy before decorating the interface.
- Treat accessibility as part of performance because clarity reduces cognitive load.