Is there a more optimal way to create a portfolio section with a sticky image container that changes as you scroll, similar to the design on Deveb's website, that works across different web browsers, especially Safari, using Webflow or any other JavaScript tools?

To create a sticky image portfolio section where the image changes as you scroll—like Deveb’s website—you'll need a combination of native Webflow interactions and custom JavaScript for browser compatibility and smooth performance.

1. Understand the Effect

• The layout typically has a sticky image on one side (left/right) that remains fixed within its container.
• On the other side, text blocks or sections scroll, each triggering the image to change.
• Safari-specific issues often involve position: sticky and transform causing unexpected behavior.

2. Structure the Layout in Webflow

• Use a 2-column layout:
• Left Column: Sticky image container (set a fixed height and apply position: sticky with top: 0).
• Right Column: Vertical list of project sections (one for each portfolio item).

3. Webflow Interactions (for basic behavior)

• In Webflow Interactions:
• Add a scroll into view trigger on each content block in the right column.
• Use "Start an Animation" to change the background image in the sticky container each time.
• Limitations:
• Webflow’s default interactions don't natively support switching multiple images with smooth transitions or tracking scroll progress precisely.

4. Use JavaScript with Intersection Observer

• To enhance performance across all browsers (especially Safari), use Intersection Observer to track when each portfolio item enters the viewport.
• Sample logic:
• Define one shared sticky image container.
• For each content block, assign a data-image URL or ID.
• On intersection, update the image container’s background or image source.

5. Avoid Safari-Specific Issues

• In Safari, combining transform: translateY() on parent elements with position: sticky often breaks layout.
• Solution:
• Ensure the sticky container’s parent has no transforms applied.
• Avoid using height: 100vh as it may render inconsistently—use actual pixel values or CSS clamp().
• Test thoroughly with Safari’s Web Inspector in Responsive Design mode.

6. JavaScript Enhancement Tools (Optional)

• Consider lightweight libraries:
• GSAP ScrollTrigger: Highly reliable and cross-browser. Allows triggering animations or image swaps tied directly to scroll position with smooth transitions.
• Locomotive Scroll: Adds smooth scrolling but may conflict with position: sticky, so use selectively.
• Barba.js: For advanced transitions between pages but not required for this effect.

7. Optimization Tips

• Lazy-load images (use loading="lazy") to avoid performance drops, especially on mobile.
• Use WebP or AVIF formats to keep image sizes small.
• If using background-image, apply with CSS transitions for a smooth fade (opacity or fade-in effect).

Summary

To build a performant, cross-browser-compatible sticky image portfolio section in Webflow like Deveb’s design, combine Webflow’s layout tools with Intersection Observer or GSAP ScrollTrigger. Avoid relying solely on Webflow interactions for complex scroll-based behavior, and test specifically in Safari to resolve sticky positioning issues.