Website Process Overview

Website Process Overview

To ensure the highest quality web site and effective project management, we implement a 4-phase
development process: Define, Design, Develop and Deploy. While these action items are meant to
be comprehensive, we are committed to a collaborative approach in order to produce the most
effective and customized website that meets our clients needs.
Phase I: Define
During this phase, we first define the project goals, then explore different strategies for achieving
these goals and finally quantify the scope of the project. We often use a Project Profile to get a
better understanding of the project goals, target audience needs and web site features.
To complete this phase we perform the following action items:
Project Site At the start of every project, we launch a client Project Site. The project
site is a secure website housing all project-related work, including the
schedule and contact information. This website is a key project
management tool and facilitates clear communication between all
members of the development team.
Kick-off Meeting We start the project by assembling the key project personnel. We review
strategic documents such as the Project Profile, and other sites that have
similar objectives.

Strategic Goals To better understand strategic and branding issues, we focus on:
-> Defining the project goals as well as ‘the problem that needs to
be solved’.
-> Defining the branding strategy including the most appropriate
‘look and feel’ the site should have.
-> Defining what types of information and features should be included
to best meet the target audiences needs.
-> Explore other online resources that might be appropriate for the
target audience.
Features Explore and define site features and functionality. Create a wire frame site
map illustrating a birds eye view of the site and navigation structure.
Content Create a spreadsheet that defines the amount of pages, type of content,
frequency of updates for each page etc.
Technical
Requirements
Define technical requirements such as: website functionality, hosting, and
the post launch website revision process.
Phase I Deliverables: Strategic/Creative Brief, Technical Requirements, Site Map and Content
Spreadsheet as required
Phase II: Design
During the design phase, we develop the ‘look & feel’ of the website, as well as finalize the sites
content, and navigation.
To complete this phase we perform the following action items:
Interface Design Design the website ‘look & feel’ and navigation. We utilize information
gathered during the Definition phase and then explore different approaches
to communicating the core brand message. We then present various
versions of the homepage, interior page and any other appropriate pages.
After a version is chosen we further refine the designs until a final ‘look &
feel’ is agreed upon.

Motion Graphics Design animation sequences such as product demos, information graphics
and marketing messages.
Copy Write the copy, re-purpose existing copy and modify repurposed print
copy for web usage as necessary.
Visual Content Explore and define site features and functionality. Create a wire frame site
map illustrating a birds eye view of the site and navigation structure.
Database Content Create a spreadsheet that defines the amount of pages, type of content,
frequency of updates for each page etc.
Design Freeze Define technical requirements such as: website functionality, hosting, and
the post launch website revision process.
Phase II Deliverables: Interface Designs [‘look & feel’], Navigation, Motion Graphics Storyboards
and Database Interface Designs
Phase III: Develop
In this phase, we write the code, integrate the content and test the site. The sites soft launch is the
milestone that marks the end of this phase.
To complete this phase we will perform the following action items:
Coding Write the HTML, DHTML, Javascript, ASP and any other appropriate
technologies.
Hosting Set up the appropriate Internet Service Provider [ISP] hosting package or
integrate with an existing site’s hosting package. While we do not regularly
host public web sites we have relationships with hosting companies and
can recommend an appropriate ISP.
Quality Assurance Testing is of critical importance with web sites, especially web applications.
We test the functionality as well as proof read every page, making
modifications as needed

Soft Launch After the site is tested, we launch it to a public server for final review and
additional testing.
Phase III Deliverables: Fully integrated Website
Phase IV: Deploy
Before the public launch, we review the site design, navigation, copy, content and code. After the
site is approved, we launch it on the public web server. After the public launch we can provide
promotion and maintenance services that are often critical to the success of a web site.
Live Launch After the final round of testing, we will post the site to the public server.
Search Engine
Registration
We register the website with the major search engines, including optimizing
the code (including key words, meta-tags, etc.), to gain the best search
engine results. We can also research other appropriate industry specific
website directories and register with these organizations as well.
Site Maintenance
Training
Based on the clients needs, we can provide: content management training,
web master training and custom web site maintenance processes.
Promotion A site is often only as valuable as the amount of people who use it. For this
reason, we offer online promotion development and management,
including: e-mail newsletter creation and list management, as well as
Search Engine Optimization [SEO] enhancements.
Statistics Analyzing site statistics, such as visitor traffic, is an invaluable tool for
understanding how well the site is performing, especially with e-commerce
sites. We can facilitate this process by recommending the best analysis
application and train people to data-mine the most important information.
Site
Enhancements
After the site is operating, we can provide regular modifications to the
design, content and functionality to meet our clients evolving needs.
Phase IV Deliverables: Live Public Website and Search Engine registration. Site Maintenance
Training and Documentation, Promotion, Statistics and Site Enhancements performed on an as
needed basis