The Web Design Process
The website design process is similar to many other problem-solving processes.
Start by defining the overall goal, then establish ways to measure success, gather the tools needed to meet the goals, arrange the information so that the customer can use it, make the final product accessible to the end users, monitor the success of the product, and make revisions when needed to continually improve the product.
Although not a strict linear process, the website design process does have a progression.
Analyze
- Define the goal
- Determine the audience
- Set the time schedule
- Agree on the cost
Organize
- Gather images, logos, and content
- Draw an IA Diagram to show the primary and secondary navigation
- Determine how the user should interact with the website
- Establish the navigation
- Create storyboards to show the site's layout
Visualize
- Create color storyboards of each page
- Make mood boards
Write the Code
- Use html and css to build the pages
- Touch up images using Photoshop
- Create graphics using Fireworks
- Create animations using Flash
Test & Launch
- Fix any broken links
- Test the site with different users, different browsers, and different devices
- Test contact forms
Follow Up
- Ongoing maintenance
- Add new content
- Fix broken links
- Keep up with technology
- Evaluate the site annually
- Re-design the site when it appears outdated