THE PROCESS

Discovery

The discovery phase helps determine and define the scope of the project. This phase is focused on gathering and analyzing information. I ask a lot of questions to learn about your audience, your competitors, and your industry. At the end of this phase I will have defined and assessed your business goals, your targeted customers and their needs, and the features the website will provide your customers. This phase really sets the foundation for all other phases.

Info-Mapping: Information Architecture / Site Map

With the research I gather from the discover phase, I move into the info-mapping phase: strategically developing the site structure, that is, organizing content and information so website users can find what they're looking for quickly and easily. Sometimes this can be referred to as developing the site information architecture or the site map.

Interface Design: Layouts, Colors, and Feelings

During Interface design, or the visual look and feel to your site, I begin creating a custom interface. I brainstorm various concepts using different colors, layouts, and sketches. At the end of this phase, I will have designed 2-3 custom templates that reflect the appearance of your future website.

Production: Building the Site

In the production phase, I bring together all the elements necessary for building your website. Production integrates the design with a content management solution or static layout, custom html, Flash, and any other elements necessary to complete the final site. I test the custom application, and seek customer feedback to ensure I have met the defined goals.

Deployment and Maintenance: Go Live!

Once I move out of the production phase, we go live with your website and, thus, it is accessible to anyone who has access to the Internet. Although this may seem like the end, this marks the beginning of a new phase for you and your organization. Some clients want to maintain their sites; therefore, I pass the baton on with all the necessary information they need. However, most of my clients decide that I maintain their site. This allows my customers to focus on what they do best and allows me to do my work--supporting your ongoing maintenance needs. As your customer needs change and as new technology is introduced to your industry, I add the latest design and functionality. The process is cyclical and results in a successful, ongoing partnership.