Performance10 min readMarch 10, 2026
90-100
Target Lighthouse range
Improving Next.js Lighthouse Without Killing the Design
Scores are a side effect. I care about what someone feels in the first second. Here is how I optimize that path and still keep gradients, type, and motion.
Attack above-the-fold work and LCP before you polish far below the scroll.
Defer or idle-load decoration so the first paint still feels expensive.
Treat `sizes`, `priority`, and third parties like a budget, not a free buffet.