Implement Explore Page with Grid Layout and Lazy Loading

[Balance8]

Description:

Objective: To create a new "Explore" page for our application that presents a collection of images in an aesthetically pleasing grid format, using the Grid Layout component from https://ui.aceternity.com/components/layout-grid. The images should be efficiently loaded using the "next image" strategy for lazy loading to optimize performance and reduce initial load time.

Requirements:

• Integrate the Grid Layout component from the provided UI library to structure the Explore page.
• Ensure that the grid is responsive and maintains its integrity across different screen sizes.
• Implement lazy loading using the "next image" feature to optimize page load performance.
• Use placeholder images initially; these should be replaced later with dynamic content once the API is integrated.

API Suggestion for Placeholder Images:

• Consider using an API such as Unsplash or Lorem Picsum to fetch random images for the initial implementation. These services provide high-quality, royalty-free images that can be retrieved through a simple API call. Example endpoints:
  • Unsplash Random Image: https://source.unsplash.com/random
  • Lorem Picsum: https://picsum.photos/200/300

Acceptance Criteria:

• The Explore page is accessible and displays a grid of images.
• Images are loaded using a lazy loading strategy to improve the initial page load time.
• Placeholder images are displayed and fetched from the suggested API endpoints.
• The Grid Layout component's look and feel align with our design system.
• The feature is compatible across supported browsers and devices.

Sub-tasks:

1. Set up the Explore page route and framework.
2. Integrate the Grid Layout component.
3. Implement lazy loading functionality for images.
4. Add API calls to fetch random images as placeholders.
5. Conduct cross-browser and device testing.

Notes:

• The implementation of dynamic content and final image sources will be addressed in a subsequent phase.
• Ensure to adhere to our coding standards and perform thorough testing before deployment.