Web Site Development Process
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Overview of the Process - In Greater Detail
- Establish guidelines for site responsibility, accountability, work process flow and responsibilities, content acquisition and/or
development, etc. A Web site like any project requires a solid framework. The guidelines should include a timeline and
progress reports should be scheduled.
- Outline the goals for the Web site. What do you want to accomplish with the Web site? Each of the site objectives and
tactics should be measured against how well they support the accomplishment of your goals.
- Identify the main objectives for the site. It is vital for that the site be developed from the perspective of the target audiences.
What are the interests and needs of each audience. Determine what the visitor hopes to obtain and/or accomplish by visiting
the site. The objectives of the site will need to address this for each target audience separately. The objectives must be
established for each target audience.
- Develop information architecture. Content will be structured and organized in an easy-to-navigate, logical format that is clearly
identified and age appropriate. A site map or architectural plan will be developed to guide the construction of the Web site.
- Storyboard pages and links. This can be as simple as a diagram on a piece of paper or as elaborate as a wall chart. The idea is
to plan how the pages will flow together, being sure that the viewer will not get lost when navigating the links. The storyboard
process is a visual tool which requires organizing the information into an outline. It also help refine the raw facts into a finely
honed message. By the end of this process, the general content of each page is decided.
- Select the presentation style. Web page style has to do with the look and psychology messages it conveys --e.g. professional,
crisp, serious, heavy and bold, natural, formal, expertise, funny, high tech, warmth, light, airy etc. All of these styles can be
conveyed with proper design. The style of a Web site should carry a theme look, which should be consistent from page to page
and should be consistent with the message and organization's image. Style is developed through an integration of such things as
color, graphics, use of visual space on the page, writing tone, etc. These style elements must be carefully chosen in order to
project your image to the USA and world.
- Acquire, develop or repurpose text for the Web pages / files. Content will need to be created or repositioned for the site. Some
pages will need more text while others may require more images and/or graphics, but it is critical to achieve an aesthetic balance
between text and graphics. Page size is also critical, since viewers will not wait for slow loading pages.
- Select and prepare page graphics. The Web is a largely visual medium. Appropriate and creative graphics can help attract favorable
ttention to a Web site. Graphics include pictures, logos, icons, link buttons, and other items unique to Web construction. Preparing
graphics for use on the Web is a complex process. Web browser color palettes are limited and images that look good on one
operating system may be poorly rendered on another. Large graphics files must be reduced as much as possible without sacrificing
image quality. A balance must be struck between visual interest and fast page loading time or viewers will click away before the page
finishes loading.
- Plan interactive elements. Besides links to different pages, other types of Web interactivity will be appropriate for your site. You may
want to include a sound clip or a personalized service. Some programming may need to be included, such as interactive forms, guest
registers, JavaScript features, etc. Since the Web is an interactive medium, users expect a high degree of interactivity. The more
interactivity offered at this site the higher its success and visitation rates will be.
- Create a value-adding strategy. Good Web site design and development includes offering something of value that the viewer
receives simply by visiting the site. The possibilities for your site are endless. Value-adding can include expert advice and information,
humor, links to related sites, copyright free images for use on computer desktop screens (e.g. screen savers, religious art),
a puzzle, electronic cards, etc. Value-adding promotes good will, encourages viewers to come back to the site often, and can provide
an educational service. It is an integral part of site design.
- Write the HTML code and adjunct programming for the pages. All the images, text, graphics, and interactive elements are then
assembled. HTML and graphic templates are developed for each of the major sections and when ready, content is "laid" into the
appropriate section template. This is one of the most challenging parts of the process. HTML (HyperText Mark-up Language) is a
somewhat limited coding language. Many printed page technology and layouts do not translate well to the Web. It may take creativity
to devise ways to make the content and graphics look the way you want. In addition, HTML codes and extensions of the code are
constantly changing. Each of the various browser (e.g. Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera) software has its own
idiosyncrasies. The different versions of these browsers vary in their ability to take the HTML coding/instructions and graphics and
assemble them for the effect that is desired. Certain HTML coding may not be recognized on every browser or a specific (earlier)
version. Web pages must be tested on a wide range of browsers, including various versions of the most commonly used browsers.
Using such tools as ASP, JAVA and/or CGI along with Web database connectivity, we develop data-driven application(s) to track,
report and maintain critical information for your organization. It may be a matter of connecting to a database that is currently utilized
within your organization, or, we can work with you to design and develop the necessary Web database solution.
- Usability (Alpha) testing by individuals within each target audience. Hands-on testing is done to insure that members of each target
audience are comfortable with the look, content and navigational system. If the test audience experiences difficulty, then that part or
process needs review, modification or elimination. User testing is an essential element that may prevent serious and potentially costly
mistakes.
- Proof the work for errors, possible misinterpretations of the presentation, potential legal matters, and other things requiring correction.
Special attention must be paid to spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Mistakes will reflect badly on the Web site. The final product
must be as error-free as possible. All pages must be proofed in-house, by staff, and by others who help test the pages before they
are put online. Since putting information on the Web is essentially publishing information internationally, care must also be taken to
check facts and be sure that page content is correct and accurate. No copyrighted images can be used without permission, and all
written material must also be legally used. If information, for which you hold the copyright, is put online copyright coding must be added.
- Pages are uploaded to the server (computer) for online access via the Web. Before pages can be put online, there must be an account
at a site hosting service or an in-house Web server. When this is in place, the Web files / pages will be uploaded and your site will be
able to be viewed online. Before the official launch, the Web site files / pages can be viewed (beta test) online without the general
public having access to them. This allows usability testing to be done online before the site is officially announced and launched.
- Usability (Beta) testing by individuals from target audiences, in-house staff and others selected by you. This final testing ensures that
the Web site has no operational and / or design flaws. This is the time to eliminate any last-minute problems before the site is launched
and offered to the general public.
- Announce the site to indexing and directory services (databases). Being online is not enough by itself. People have to be able to
easily find your site. There are a wide variety of Web search engines available where Web pages can be indexed and listed in their
databases. In order for these search engines to find your site's pages, it must know the URL address. The most frequently
used search engines are free services both to users and site listers. It requires a familiarity with each search engine and how it works
to register pages effectively. Keeping current with the available search engines is also a continuous process where change is rapid.
This process must also be kept in mind during the design process, since certain design strategies can actually undermine and/or
render the search engine listing process useless. The most well-designed Web site in the world will not be found if not designed with
search engine indexing in mind or if it has not been properly listed in as many search engines as possible.
We can assist with your Web strategy and site development.
Whether planning a Web site for the first time or in the midst of revising your site /
taking it to the "next level," we can assist with your planning and development efforts.
Contact us now.
To request more information about:
Other services:
Content & Target Audience(s) - Assessment / Planning
Navigation & Site Layout Planning and/or Analysis
Web Site Planning (new sites)
Web Site Review / Analysis (current sites)
Feasibility Studies
Online Customer Service & Support
Online Marketing Services
Marketing Material & Graphic Design Services
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Thursday, August 21, 2008
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