The Design Process

This may seem like a long process; but in order to present an Internet audience with a fully-functional, error-free Web site, we feel all bases should be covered. Please note that each client’s needs are different; therefore, tasks and timeframes may be adjusted to suit your particular needs.

Discovery:

Discovery is accomplished prior to establishing a contract for web site design. This process allows us to get to know you, your business and your needs, suggest strategies, and give you an all-inclusive quote allowing for no surprises later.

  • What is the site's purpose? (i.e. business, personal, inform, sell)
  • If the site purpose is to sell, how many products? Do you have a Merchant Account or SSL certificate?
  • Who is the target audience? (i.e. executives, sport group, age or gender related, children, etc.)
  • Do you have a company logo?
  • Do you have colors that represent the company/site?
  • How many pages? (i.e. home, contact, product/service, about)
  • Do you own a registered domain name? (i.e. www.company.com)
  • Do you have photos or graphics?
  • Do you plan to use animation or dynamic content?
  • Do you have a web host?
  • How do you want to market your site?

Phase One:

Phase one and the subsequent phases only begin after the contract is initiated, plus content gathered and delivered to us.

  • If necessary, instruction will be given to the Client for acquiring a domain name and hosting account.
  • If logo is needed: Two mockups of logo created and submitted to Client to choose from and give final approval.
  • Two basic layouts with sample colors and styles will be made in which Client chooses which layout to use.
  • Changes can be requested and made to the basic layout of choice.

Phase Two:

  • Core pages (home, about, etc.) assigned within the site and content and images added to core pages.
  • If dynamic content, animations, or graphics are needed, they will be constructed/designed during this phase.
  • If products are sold, product photo optimization and product insertion will be accomplished.
  • E-commerce sites only: Instruction will be given to Client for acquiring Merchant Account and SSL.
  • Email accounts set up to specifications.
  • Target browser testing.

Phase Three:

  • Client may request minor changes to text.
  • Final design will be presented to Client for approval.

Phase Four:

  • E-commerce sites only: SSL and Merchant Account setup within shopping cart.
  • Usability testing, if applicable.
  • Code Validation and Accessibility checks.
  • Testing, debugging and final link checks will be performed.

Phase Five:

  • Site is uploaded to the server.
  • Client is allotted a set timeframe to request minor modifications.
  • Client Packet of account summaries and instructions presented to Client.
  • Site is put into our maintenance schedule, if contracted, or handed over to Client.

Timeframes

The length of time in a design process is ultimately dependent on what the Client wishes to have included in the site and their ability to gather and deliver content needed to create the site. A small (3 page, no frills) brochure site can be created within two weeks; however, larger e-commerce sites can take six weeks or more dependent on number of products. Each Design Contract has a timeframe in which we adhere to.