Web Design Process

Many years experience has shown us that planning, organisation and working to a design and development process leads to fast, efficient delivery of web delivered projects that are fit for purpose.

5 Stage Process

23 Digital designs and develops bespoke commercial websites and online solutions using a straightforward five stage process. The stages are listed below and a description of what to expect at each stage. Your involvement at each stage is essential for success.

1. Analysis

This is the information gathering part of building the online presence. Some of the information collected at this stage will have come pre-proposal to demonstrate the business case for the project and define targets.

The most important starting point is to assess you business goals and the expectations for the website.

When developing a website, project management proceeds with this as the ever present signpost to what we are producing. Other key factors in formulating ideas for the design include:

  • Existing site strengths/weaknesses
  • Budget
  • Branding/personality
  • Target audience profile
    > Age range
    > Intelligence
    > Gender
    > Socio-economic
    > Regional
    > Interests
  • Other marketing
  • Amount of content
  • Special requirements
  • Environment
  • Size of market

2. Concept

The Concept stage uses the information gathered in stage 1 to design the structure, layout and style of the site.

There are four parts to the Concept Stage and your input is again required after each.

  • Site structure diagram (flow chart)
  • Wireframe of layout of main page styles (diagram)
  • Static image of the page (colour and images added)
  • HTML proof of main page styles

Written content and any relevant images or photograph should be produced at the end of the concept stage or before.

3. Development

Armed with the site structure including all page names and locations, page styles and layouts, website development proceeds.

On complex sites it might be necessary to wireframe many if not all pages before proceeding with development. Content needs to be added at this stage.

To prevent project drift it is very important at the Development Stage that all stakeholders have access to a working copy of the site, either throughout the build or on a regular basis. Final sign off of the test version is required before the solution can go live.

4. Delivery

Prior to delivery it is very important that all stakeholders are assured that the solution is able to meet the demands of the business case requirements for the project.

Following sign off the files are uploaded to the most suitable environment for use as defined in the proposal.

5. Evaluation

Evaluation involves firstly, thoroughly testing the site in the live environment so that all page links work correctly, there are no spelling errors or typos, that any functionality works properly.

Once the mechanical side of the site build is given the thumbs up we analyse the results on a regular basis, usually initially on a daily basis, then weekly and monthly as time passes. This ensures that it is performing to the required level. During Evaluation we correct any problems automatically and we may come back to you with suggestions for getting better performance from the site.

If you would like further information about how we work then please get in touch using our contact us page.