web design for online success
Methodology
The steps we take to create your web site
This is a brief outline of the steps we take for each of our projects, from initiation to completion and beyond.
When creating a new interactive environment your users expect to navigate it easily, interact with its features, find information quickly and above all enjoy the experience. Online environments that incorporate all of these issues require research, planning and learning about the customer’s specific needs. This experience is a culmination of the brand, the content, the navigation, the functionality, the level of interactivity and the personalization level.
When starting a web project, DavisDesigns uses the following steps in its project process:
- Planning
- Information Architecture
- Web Design
- Development
- Final Launch
Planning
Planning allows us to identify the needs and requirements of the project. With proper planning and a clear definition of project’s scope we can meet and or surpass our customers expectations.
Taking time in the early stages to plan your web design project results in noticable cost savings. The costs of making changes to the site plan during this phase are substantially less costly than making changes in later phases.
A change to the site content or system model occurs in practically every project. To expect otherwise is unrealistic. We reduce costs for our customers by helping them to identify these changes early in the development process.
Initial Meeting
An initial meeting is held to discuss the Client’s business needs and determine the best overall solution for the project.
Information Architecture
The Information Architect (IA) organizes the content for the site for proper flow and access for the customer. Using a flow-chart system the IA selects sections to place the content for quick, easy access and intuitive navigation. Flow charts provide a good overview of the informational layout of the site and give a good indication of how the user will move through the site.
During this phase the goal is to develop an exact blueprint for the production of each aspect of the project, including the look and feel or design that our clients are so eager to see.
With ease of use and capacity for modification and expansion in mind, we will address the visual elements, interactivity and navigation. Taking the users' point of view, we will develop creative options for the client to review and provide feedback.
This is a crucial step to provide a good overall layout of the site before moving to the design step for the site.
Web Design
At DavisDesigns good design is a competitive differentiator. Creative communications and user experience are a highly valued part of the development process. Our designs take serious consideration of usability, user interface, graphic design and interactive design.
Initial design concepts
Concepts are developed outlining the overall page structure, interface and navigation design. Each design will be based on rough initial schematics of the site, provided by the Information Architect.
During the creative process the technical lead will review the concepts to ensure proper execution during the development. Once completed two to three visual concepts and their rationales will be presented to the client to assess the pros and cons of each idea and to decide on a visual direction.
Once a direction for the site design is chosen final revisions are done for final presentation. Upon client approval we then move forward into the development process.
Web Development
Once the client has approved the design documents and mockups, we begin execution of the designs. The careful planning has taken much of the guesswork out of the process at this point, and we will begin to produce the site.
Design Templates
Design templates are created as a guide for the Developer to use as they build the site. These templates also provide creative control for the Designer throughout the site.
Smaller sites can be built without the need for Design Templates by using only the screens from the approved design concepts.
Web Site Development
Developers use the templates (if needed) together with the site schematics to develop the web site. The front-end developer begins to build out the site page by page following the schematics and templates in the same way a construction worker uses blueprints to construct a building.
Any database development is also started. Preliminary framework for the sites back-end can begin early in the projects timeline by following the architecture and technical requirements for the site.
Testing & Launch
Functionality, links, navigation, spelling and a host of other items are examined during the testing phase of the site. After testing is completed the site is launched in its new home on the Internet. Phase one of the site is complete. This is a time for celebration, and a pat on the back to all those involved for a great job.
Regular updates and improvements should be considered in order to keep the site exciting and fresh. An informal meeting with the client is held to discuss the web site and identify any future development needs.
Consultation
DavisDesigns will consult with a prospective client to determine their project needs for the preparation of a Project Quote. Project planning and pricing will be scoped and quoted accordingly.
All discussions during consultations, presentations, and proposals are not considered part of the current web project unless included in the final quotation or the project scope.
Prior to the commencement of work, all projects will be fully scoped and a Project Quote will be provided. Changes to the scope of the project will require a new Project Quote.
A complete Terms of Service will be provided at all project quotations.
