We starts every Web development project with documented outline of the steps needed to be taken from start to finish in order to complete project. It divides and categorizes important phases and then breaks these high-level sections into tasks and resources that can be used as a road map. We create and retain two versions of such document, one for our team to use as a guide, and one to share with client. Our version is with more detail and contains technical resources to help with development; the client’s version is concise and non-technical map of the process from start to finish.
Our Website design and development process consists of the following phases:
- Planning
- Design
- Development
- Launch
- Website maintenance and support
Planning
The planning phase is the most important since what we make decisions, mapping and set the stage for the entire project. This is also the phase that requires client interaction and the accompanying attention to detail. We are completing Planning phase by executing:
- Contracts that define roles, copyright and financial points
This is important element of the documentation and should include different roles of client and provider, project timelines, copyright ownership, maintenance models... - Requirements analysis
This includes comprehension and discussion about client business vision and goals, target audience and detailed feature requests. - Project charter
The project charter (or equivalent document) sums up the information that has been gathered and agreed upon in the previous point. These documents are typically concise and not overly technical, and they serve as a reference throughout the project. - Site map and usability
A site map guides development team during development, but also will guide end users who are lost in the structure or need to find a piece of information quickly. On less complex projects we could simply list and structure pages, define hierarchy of page organization. We pay strong attention in service paths and usability during every stage, do we understood customer segments well and make website for them. - Determine required software and resources (look and feel, stock photography, fonts, etc.)
Our Web development and design process is delivered from our team of professionals. All roles are equally important and on every project we try to execute works with as more people as we could afford (UX/UI Researchers, UX designer, UI designer, Graphical designer, Motion and sound designer, Front-end developers, Back-end developers, QA and testers).
Design
The design phase involves moving the information outlined in the planning stage further into reality. The main deliverable is a documented site structure and a visual representation. Upon completion of the design phase, the website should more or less have taken shape, but with the absence of the content. Again, we pay strong attention to review service paths for final customer, customer focus and usability.
- Wireframe and design elements planning
A website wireframe, also known as a page schematic or screen blueprint, is a visual guide that represents the skeletal framework of a website. Using information gathered from the client in the planning phase, and by using wireframe tool, and also pencil and paper, layout of the website begins to take shape. - Mock-ups based on requirements analysis
We also design mock-ups in Photoshop that allows relatively easy modification. It allows us to keep the design elements organized in layers, and it prepares us for coding when the time later on. - Review and approval cycle
A cycle of reviewing, tweaking and approving the mock-ups often takes place until (ideally) both client and we got satisfied with the design. This is the easiest time to make changes, but preferably not after the design has been coded. - Coding valid XHTML/CSS
We slice the final Photoshop mock-up, and write the HTML and CSS code for the basic design, where we have to validate all of the visuals before moving on the next stage.
Development
Development involves the programming work, as well as loading content. We keep code organized and commented, and refer constantly to the planning details as the full website takes shape.
- Development framework
We work with main development frameworks and content management systems, and now is the time to implement it. - Code templates for each page type
A website usually has several pages that can be based on templates, and we are creating our own templates or working on some selected by our customer. - Develop and test special features and interactivity
We usually chose to implement them before loading content, but sometimes it is better to load content before implementing special features. - Fill with content
Usually all textual content is provided from our clients, but we could also provide consulting for defining key website messages, service or buying paths and triggers, elevator pitches, and content. - Test and verify links, functionality and usability
This is time for a full website review if we done everything right visually or functionally. By using file manager and site map that we previously developed, we walk through every single page, test links, content and functionality. We provide documentation and source files to client; review all checklists from planning phase.
Launch
The purpose of the launch phase is to prepare the website for public viewing, to move the website to its permanent Web server and to test it in production environment with (one more) test of links and functionality, and with final cross-browser check (IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Opera, iPhone, BlackBerry).
Website Maintenance and Support
On continual basis we help our clients with creating new features and fixing bugs, enhancing scalability and performance to handle the growing number of visitors and data. With time, we also improve the website structure to better address user demand, perform SEO optimization and compliance with SEO standards for advanced content marketing strategies, and perform security audit and updates to protect data and users.