DanielJohnson

What I’m Focused On

Now

What’s a /now page? — Last updated: June 2026

I’m currently focused on building calm, scalable frontend systems — mostly with React, Next.js, TypeScript, and modern CSS.

My work is centred around frontend architecture, performance, and sustainable engineering practices: the kind of patterns that help teams move quickly without creating noise, fragility, or unnecessary complexity.

Professional Focus

Right now, I’m deepening my work around:

  • Frontend architecture patterns for scalable React and Next.js applications

  • Web performance, including Core Web Vitals, bundle optimisation, rendering strategies, and perceived speed

  • AI-assisted development workflows, especially practical uses of MCP integrations

  • Writing about calm software engineering through the lenses of Zen and Tao

I’m especially interested in systems that feel simple from the outside because the underlying structure has been carefully considered.

Current Projects

Portfolio rebuild

I’m rebuilding this site with Next.js 15, the App Router, Tailwind v4, and an MDX-powered blog.

The goal is not just a refreshed portfolio, but a quieter, more useful home for writing, projects, notes, and experiments.

Component library

I’m extracting reusable patterns from client work into a personal design system.

This is partly practical and partly reflective: a way to capture the components, interaction patterns, and architectural decisions that keep showing up across projects.

Rust and WebAssembly

I’m learning Rust and WebAssembly with an eye toward performance-critical frontend workloads.

I’m not rushing this. The aim is to understand where these tools genuinely help, rather than treating them as another thing to chase.

Reading & Learning

Currently on my desk:

  • Designing Data-Intensive Applications by Martin Kleppmann — a re-read

  • The Staff Engineer’s Path by Tanya Reilly

  • Papers and notes on CRDTs, local-first software, and collaborative systems

A lot of my current reading circles around the same theme: building software that can scale technically without becoming harder to reason about.

Not Doing Right Now

I’m intentionally not spending time on:

  • Side projects without a clear purpose

  • Chasing every new JavaScript framework release

  • Meetings without agendas

  • Optimising for visibility at the expense of useful work

I’m trying to leave more room for deep work, good writing, thoughtful collaboration, and the occasional long walk by the sea.

Location & Routine

I’m based in Cornwall, UK, and work remotely.

Most days are shaped around deep work in the mornings, calls and collaboration in the afternoons, and coastal walks whenever the weather cooperates.

Get in Touch

I’m open to interesting conversations about frontend architecture, web performance, AI-assisted development, local-first software, and calm engineering.

Reach out if something here overlaps with what you’re thinking about.

You can also find me on /social.

Inspired by Derek Sivers’ now page movement.