WEB

There are numerous steps in the web site design and development process. From gathering initial information, to the creation of web site, and finally to maintenance to keep web site up to date and current.

The basics of Website Development:

   1. Information Gathering
   2. Planning
   3. Design
   4. Development
   5. Testing and Delivery

Phase One: Information Gathering

Certain things to consider are:
Purpose
What is the purpose of the site? Do you want to provide information, promote a service, sell a product… ?

Goals
What do you hope to accomplish by building this web site? Two of the more common goals are either to make money or share information.

Target Audience
Is there a specific group of people that will help you reach your goals? It is helpful to picture the “ideal” person you want to visit your web site. Consider their age, sex or interests – this will later help determine the best design style for your site.
Content
What kind of information will the target audience be looking for on your site? Are they looking for specific information, a particular product or service, online ordering…?

Phase Two: Planning

Using the information gathered from phase one, it is time to put together a plan for your web site. This is the point where a site map is developed.

The site map is a list of all main topic areas of the site, as well as sub-topics, if applicable. This serves as a guide as to what content will be on the site, and is essential to developing a consistent, easy to understand navigational system. The end-user of the web site always stays in mind when designing the site. A good user interface creates an easy to navigate web site, and is the basis for this.

During the planning phase, wer will also help to decide what technologies should be implemented. Elements such as interactive forms, ecommerce, flash, etc. are discussed when planning your web site.

Phase Three: Design

We will create one or more prototype designs for your web site. This is typically a .jpg image of what the final design will look like. Often times We will sent an email with the mock-ups for your web site and in addition to this we also take it a step further by giving you access to a secure area of our web site meant for customers to view work in progress.

In this phase, communication between both us and you is crucial to ensure that the final web site will match your needs and taste. It is important that you work closely with us, exchanging ideas, until you arrive at the final design for your web site.

Phase Four: Development

The developmental stage is the point where the web site itself is created. At this time, we will take all of the individual graphic elements from the prototype and use them to create the actual, functional site.

This is typically done by first developing the home page, followed by a “shell” for the interior pages. The shell serves as a template for the content pages of your site, as it contains the main navigational structure for the web site. Once the shell has been created, we will take your content and distribute it throughout the site, in the appropriate areas.

Elements such as interactive contact forms, flash animations or ecommerce shopping carts are implemented and made functional during this phase, as well.

This entire time, we alwyas continue to make your in-progress web site available to you for viewing, so that you can suggest any additional changes or corrections you would like to have done.

Phase Five: Testing and Delivery

At this point, we will attend to the final details and test your web site. We will test things such as the complete functionality of forms or other scripts, as well last testing for last minute compatibility issues (viewing differences between different web browsers), ensuring that your web site is optimized to be viewed properly in the most recent browser versions.
Once you give us final approval, it is time to deliver the site. An FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program is used to upload the web site files to your server. Once domain accounts have been setup, and your web site uploaded to the server, the site should be put through one last run-through. This is just precautionary, to confirm that all files have been uploaded correctly, and that the site continues to be fully functional.

This marks the official launch of your site, as it is now viewable to the public.