The Web Design Process
This section is to provide a better understanding
of the web design process and development phases Vegas Graphics
utilizes with nearly all custom built
web sites. Whether Vegas
Graphics builds your site or you choose another company, the information
below will help you better understand the steps involved in web
site development.
Phase #1 The Initial Consultation
This is the initial phone or in-office
consultation regarding your web project needs. If applicable, being
able to offer the following information serves as an outline to
better serve your project requirements.
- What kind of business or service you’re
providing.
- Do you have an existing web site? If so,
list the pros & cons,
if any.
- Do you have existing text to contribute
to this project?
- Do you have existing images, visual branding,
or other imagery that is important to your purpose?
- Have you
made any pre-purchases or have existing services such as an
in-house IT dept., web hosting, email plans, web site builders,
etc?
- Have you purchased a domain
name and do
you have access to this account?
- Are their other service/product/technology
providers being utilized for this web project?
Offering as much information related to your
web site during the initial consultation will help the web
designer provide you an accurate quote and create a strong foundation
to be used during the development phases of your site.
Phase #2 Web site Structure
Now it's time for us to develop a flow
chart that will serve as the master key to building your web
site. A flow chart provides a link structure that will help the
designer accommodate the general design, navigational interface,
and overall layout of your web site. Below is a diagram that
depicts a typical flow chart.
Web Design Flow Chart
Download Flow Chart
Keep in mind this is just one example. Depending
on the size of your internet project and technologies being used,
these flow charts can get more complex and detailed however
provides us with a clear map during the creation of your web
presence.
Phase #3 Visual Design Phase
This is usually the customer’s favorite
phase. During this process we draft a static electronic design
that will depict your web sites design and layout. The design will
be made viewable via a private URL for your review. Since this
graphic image(s) of your web site will be
the actual look, it is wise to carefully review and provide any
input or changes at this time.
It is also recommended to include any key members of your organization
for collaborative feedback.
Phase #4 Web site Technology
Great, following the phases above we've
established a static design for your web site. We now know how
the general design of your web site will look and have a good
understanding of where the hierarchy of links will be placed
within the layout. Now comes the exciting task of making these
design elements dynamic and interactively appealing A.K.A.
"the look and feel". When your custom
web design template(s) is approved, our team begins to focus on creative
functionality of the design. Below are some of the technologies
our web developers begin to incorporate:
- Roll Over Buttons
- Animated Buttons
- Animated Banners
- Animated Logos
- Flash Intros
- Flash Headers
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The web site technology is based on the type
of web site you've chosen. You may have decided to use strictly
static design for your web site, in which we would of course
skip this phase of development.
Phase
#5 Web site Development
In this phase we cover the business logic
and back-end functionality your web design project requires.
As mentioned above, having a structured diagram, flow chart,
or written specs helps the developer program your web site.
Below are some of the scenarios you may need dynamic language
for.
Your site requires:
- Membership Login
- Newsletter and emailing capabilities
- Database retrieval/editing/removal
- Content management solutions
- Internet to intranet connections
- Connection to web services
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- Upload functionality
- Dynamic retrieval and storage of
media file formats
- Customizing users experience
- Compatibly with Windows App's.
- Calculating formulas
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While their are various logical functionality’s that can be applied to your web site, the different languages
such as PHP, ASP, ASP.NET, Perl, Java, and ColdFusion may be
chosen to meet your specific needs and existing server requirements.
This information should be communicated during the initial consultation
of your web site project.
Phase #6 Testing
Everything looks good; but we are
not done yet! Now that we've completed all the phases, it is now
time to put everything to the test. Your web
sites code must be
checked for cross browser and platform
compatibility, broken links,
technology functionality, and programming vulnerabilities. After
all these steps are completed, we are then ready to prepare the
launch date. Phase
#7 Launch
This is where all the hard work, time,
and careful planning go into effect. Planning a web site launch
date to coincide with advertising campaigns, grand openings, media
releases, and other significant dates is crucial. You should mention
any deadlines for the site during your initial web
site consultation to insure the timeline can be met. You will also want to prepare
a maintenance & backup plan to ensure your needs will
be accommodated after the web site launch. If
all this information seems overwhelming, don't be. Most of
the web site phases above are handled by your developer however
having a strong concept of what you need before beginning the
project allows better communication and smooth work flow for
all involved. |
