Chia-Min Hsia

This project showcases the creation of a multilingual website for Chia-Min Hsia, a Taiwanese artist based in London. As an MFA graduate from Kingston University, Chia-Min’s work explores the intersection of utopian imagination and everyday human experiences, particularly in the post-pandemic era.

The website’s design prioritises a playful yet unobtrusive aesthetic, ensuring the art remains the focal point. A key feature is its multilingual functionality, catering to both English and Chinese-speaking audiences. The site employs sophisticated language-switching logic, utilising CMS, JavaScript, Local Storage, and Netlify Redirects to provide a seamless user experience.

Technical highlights include:

• Automatic language selection based on user location and system preferences
• Persistent language choice stored in local storage
• URL path standardisation for consistent navigation
• Cloudinary integration for optimized image delivery
• Webflow for design flexibility, converted to 11ty using Udesly
• Netlify CMS for efficient content management

This project demonstrates the fusion of artistic vision with technical innovation, creating an accessible and engaging platform for Chia-Min Hsia’s compelling artwork.

Language Switching

The entire website is available in 3 language variations: English, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

I developed a sophisticated language-switching system using JavaScript and Netlify Redirects. This system:

1. Detects the user’s default browser language, redirecting to Chinese versions if applicable.
2. Assumes language preference based on the URL if entering via a Chinese-based link.
3. Allows manual language selection via the menu, which overrides other settings.

The hierarchy of language selection is:

1. Manual user selection
2. Entry page language
3. Browser default language

This creates a fluid, user-friendly multilingual experience, seamlessly accommodating both English and Chinese-speaking visitors while prioritising user choice.

Extras

Along with the website refresh came a few additional design elements that the client needed. This included business cards, solo exhibition poster, and exhibition portfolio brochure.