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VisitMo is a trademark of Missouri Division of Tourism. All rights reserved.

VisitMo is Missouri’s official tourism website, designed to showcase attractions, events, and travel destinations across the state. The site was originally developed in Laravel with Vue.js for state management, providing a seamless and interactive user experience.

One of the key features was a Favorites System, allowing users to save listings (destinations, attractions, restaurants) and create custom itineraries. This was powered by Vuex Store, handling client-side state management efficiently.

After several years, the site was rebuilt in WordPress, shifting away from Laravel/Vue.js while maintaining essential features.

Screenshot of the homepage on visitmo.com
Visitmo - Homepage
Screenshot of a sample Favorites experience
Visitmo - Favorites
Screenshot from one of the Listings pages
Visitmo - Listings

Challenges + Solutions

Challenges Faced

  • Efficient State Management: The Favorites system needed to handle real-time data updates across multiple pages without constant server requests.
  • Dynamic Content Handling: Listings, events, and itineraries needed to be stored client-side while ensuring smooth interactions.
  • Real-Time User Interactions: Users expected instant feedback when adding/removing favorites without reloading the page.
  • Performance Optimization: Vuex state updates had to be optimized to avoid unnecessary reactivity overhead.
  • Smooth Migration to WordPress: The Favorites system had to be adapted during the rebuild while maintaining functionality.

 

Solutions Implemented

During the Laravel/Vue.js Phase:

  • Built a Real-Time Favorites & Itineraries System using Vuex Store, allowing users to save and organize destinations dynamically.
  • Implemented Local Storage Syncing to persist user preferences across sessions without requiring authentication.
  • Optimized Vuex State Management by ensuring efficient reactivity and avoiding excessive API calls.
  • Integrated API-Based Data Fetching with Laravel, allowing smooth interactions between the frontend and backend.
  • Improved User Experience (UX) Enhancements such as visual feedback, transitions, and real-time state updates.

During the WordPress Rebuild:

  • Assisted in Migrating the Favorites System by ensuring the feature remained functional within WordPress.
  • Rebuilt the Itinerary System using JavaScript and local storage in the new environment.
  • Maintained Seamless User Experience despite the platform shift.

 

Project Outcomes

  • Seamless Favorites & Itinerary System: Users could save and manage listings in real-time with smooth Vuex state management.
  • Highly Optimized Performance: Reduced API calls and leveraged client-side storage, improving site speed.
  • Engaging User Experience: Instant feedback and smooth interactions improved user retention and engagement.
  • Scalability & Future-Proofing: Built a modular, maintainable architecture that could evolve with business needs.
  • Successful Platform Migration: Ensured a smooth transition to WordPress, maintaining the Favorites system’s core functionality.

 

Why This Project Matters

This project showcases my expertise in Vue.js state management, Laravel API development, and UX-driven feature design. The Favorites and Itinerary system was a highlight of the project, demonstrating how Vuex Store can be leveraged for real-time interactions. Additionally, it highlights my ability to transition a complex feature set to a different platform while maintaining functionality.

Skills and Technologies

  • Full-Stack Development
  • PHP
  • Vue.js
  • State Management (JS)
  • Laravel
  • WordPress
  • UX/ADA Compliance
  • Linux
  • Git
  • Creative Problem-Solving

© VisitMo.org is trademarked and the property of Missouri Division of Tourism. All rights reserved.

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