The goal of this post is to give you an overview of the process for designing our clients websites. I’ll go into greater detail of each phase in future articles.

Phase 1 Information Architecture

In phase 1 we are in information collection and processing mode. Our objectives are to identify the needs of the client, figure out what the client likes and dislikes, and determine the expectations of the client. Information Architecture is critical in preparing the foundation of the web site and allowing us to move into phase 2 with the confidence there won’t be any major design surprises.

Once we have a firm grasp for the needs of our client we start building site schematics and wireframes. These tools allow us to quickly prototype the look of the site. Typically I start designing a site with pen and paper and sketch out ideas for layout and content placement. Once I have a rough concept that I feel is working I take that into Adobe Fireworks and build clickable wireframes that capture the major elements of the site.

Redesign decisions in Phase 3 have major impacts on our ability to work efficiently. That’s why we work hard up front to avoid working too hard back here.

Phase 2- Design Phase- What will the finished site look like?

This is where we build the pretty pictures. All of the information we have collected is used to produce an initial pass at what the actual site may look like. At the end of this phase the client is presented with full mockups of the major pages of the site. At this point everyone has a strong understanding of where the site is headed and what the finished product will look like.

Phase 3- Site Build- Putting the site on the web

After building the psd’s the site moves into final production and implementation very quickly. Most of the big decisions have been made and its time to put on my headphones to block out all distractions and code baby code. At the end of phase 3 the client is presented with a working web site to review and provide comments. I love watching all of our hard work come to life online. The foundation that we created in phases 1 and 2 is critical in building phase 3. Redesign decisions in this phase have major impacts on our ability to work efficiently. That’s why we work hard up front to avoid working too hard back here. This phase can be very labor intensive.

Phase 4- Testing- Dotting our I’s and Crossing our T’s

Once the site is built it goes through extensive testing and cross browser compatibility tweaking. This phase is needed but man is it boring and extremely frustrating at times.

Phase 5- Site Deployment and fishing trip or celebration toast

When the testing is finished its time for the site to go live. We like to make a big deal of our clients launch. Sometimes it can take months to get to this point, depending on the size of the site. I like to celebrate by going on a fishing trip. If the client is up for it they are more than welcome to join me. If that is not an option I like to celebrate over a frothy beverage.

Phase 6- Site Maintenance

The final step is ongoing maintenance and only if needed. We like to build sites that let our clients manage all on their own. But if they need us to step in and make some tweaks we would rather do it then open up our baby to a stranger.