Development of a project can be a lengthy trial, particularly with web design. We want our clients to have a clear understanding of the steps of our process to eliminate any confusion and try to provide a steamlined timeline that can be followed.
Below you will see the major and primary steps to the process of our web site design and development. The major steps are: Analysis -> Design -> Develop -> Testing -> Launch -> Maintenance.
Web Design and Development Process Steps:
ANALYSIS
Questionnaire
Client fills out preliminary paperwork describing basic primary goals, needs, and requirement of the site. The questionnaire will allow client and Xplosive to better understand what they want and need from the project.
Consultation
Face-to face or phone interview to further discuss ideas and thoughts outlined in the questionnaire. This step is used to convey thoughts that cannot be expressed in questionnaire.
Needs, Goals, Requirements
Finalization of client’s needs, goals, requirements, and expectations from both parties during the development of the project. Also pertinent to outline what client is required to supply for site completion (text, logo, and images), and outlines what Xplosive will supply.
Contract Negotiation and Signing
Client and Agents discuss provisions, terms, and timeline of the project. Upon agreement of both parties, contract is signed.
DESIGN
Logo Design
If client lacks a logo, this is where Xplosive would design one for them, if so desired. Logo is important because it usually sets the color and tone of the site. Xplosive will work with client to make sure logo reflects client’s message and culture. The logo is an integral part of the image of a business, and is strongly suggested that one is either provided or designed. Depending on contract agreement, several revisions may occur.
First Draft
Xplosive will submit 1st draft of the main page and a secondary page to the client for review. The draft will ensure client is satisfied with layout, colors, links, and format. Client is expected to provide feedback to Xplosive for any changes that appear necessary. If changes must be made, a second draft will be constructed and presented. Client will provide final feedback. Client must ensure that they are completely satisfied will final draft, especially concerning the layout, because once development commences, it will be time consuming to scrap progress and start over.
Content/Graphic Submission
Client will provide all content agreed upon earlier to place into site. Essentially this is the meat of the website and will be the information that users will gather from the site. It is advisable that content is proofread, and search-engine friendly. Xplosive Content Creation If client chooses not to provide web content, then Xplosive will create the necessary content as agreed upon in contract.
Navigation Outline
A well designed website has all information readily available within 3 clicks of the mouse. Information is useless if users cannot locate it. Users will leave site and likely not return if site is hard to navigate. A site map is essential in this respect, especially for a site in excess of 20 pages. Xplosive will provide client with an outline of the navigation of the site from the primary domain to all sub domains, and will implement upon client approval.
Final Design
Main page and secondary page are created to completion based on approved draft and submitted content. Client will review site and provide feedback. No changes to layout can be made at this point, but content and navigation are pending final approval here.
DEVELOP
Domain Name /Hosting
The client decides on a domain name. The domain name is usually reflective of the client’s business name. If client is able and willing, they would acquire domain and required hosting. If client cannot acquire domain and hosting, Xplosive will do so, per contractual agreement.
Database Design
Some websites, may need to be linked to a database to pull relevant information and place it into website. This is usually reserved for sites that will be very dynamic in nature.
Programming/Form Design
This step will deal with any client and server side programming that will be need to be done to improve the functionality of the site. This will include the use of information forms, which are frequently used for contact pages on a site.
Final Page Creation
Based on the final draft of main page and secondary page, remaining pages will be created. Client can review at this point for functionality and content approval.
TESTING
Proofreading
Client will read through site to make sure that all content is correct.
Xplosive Proofreading
If client chooses not to proofread, Xplosive will handle proofreading per contractual agreement.
Content Functionality
Client or Xplosive will ensure at this stage that all content that provides a function, Flash, forms, databases, etc., are working properly.
Link Functionality
Client or Xplosive will peruse through site to ensure there are no broken links and that links are navigating to correct page.
Successful
All testing is 100% successful and site is ready for launch.
LAUNCH
Upload Site
Upload site to hosting server linked to domain name.
Search Engine Submission
Site is submitted to multiple search engines.
MAINTENANCE
Monthly maintenance
Client will maintain site for changes and updates. Client may also choose to have Xplosive maintain site, per contract agreement.
Xplosive Maintenance
Client may also choose to have Xplosive maintain site, per contract agreement.
Search Engine Optimization
Relevancy of site to a search engine goes beyond search engine submission. Client may elect to have Xplosive use certain techniques to drive the site up on the rankings of major search engines.
Analytics
Client may elect to have Xplosive monitor site for traffic and demographics and provide data to client.
