Our Web Site Production Methods

The creation of an effective Web presence is a multi-step process requiring team effort and an acute attention to detail. While the steps below are specifically tailored to Web site creation, the methods and timelines cans be applied to any interactive project.

Research and Define Goals

The first step with any project is to research our client's industry and define a clear set of goals for the project. If there is an existing site, it is fully analyzed for effectiveness and compared to the competition. Strategies are determined to provide the best possible experience for the end user, while adhering to the goals and objectives of our clients. It is at this stage that a clear definition of the scope, budget and timing of the project is created.

The discovery process is vital to the success of any project and is therefore taken very seriously. Depending on time and budget, this process can be an exhaustive four-week exercise or an informal process done in parallel with other project stages.

Create Site and Data Structure

The next step is to create the organization of the content of the site, or information architecture. A site map is developed which is tied very closely to the navigational system the end user will use while interacting with the site. Easy access to desired content is our top priority, so the site map and subsequent revisions are made available through our password protected project site. Through our project site, all members of the team have continuous access to the site plan as it develops.

It is at this stage that requirements are determined for any database-driven content used within the site. Glows|DMS, our custom Web-based data and content management solution, allows us to quickly develop dozens of data tables and input forms, complete with data validation, in a matter of hours. Members of the team can then immediately begin adding content to the site?even before the visual design of the site is determined.

Visual and Interactive Design

After the site architecture has been determined, it is time to begin development of the visual design of the Web site. It is at this time that the site's look and feel is determined based on the targeted audience, competitive analysis and our client's objectives.

Depending on time and budget, the design stage can be a multi-step, multi-sample process or can be as simple as providing one sample with one or two revisions. Since this step of the process is what most people ?see?, it usually takes up at least half of the total project time.

Build and Test

Once the visual design of the site has been approved, it is time to begin the construction of the site. Templates are created, graphics are spliced and optimized, and any remaining content is incorporated into the site. A beta version of the site is then made available for review by our client and our QA department.

The site is fully reviewed and tested for design consistency and to make sure all custom programming works as expected, cross-platform. Once fully tested by our QA department and approved by our client, the site goes live.

Web Site Launch, Maintenance and Promotion

At site launch, if budgeted, we submit your site to the major search engines and perform other marketing functions. Maintenance can be provided by us at an hourly rate, on retainer, or can be performed by our clients through our data and content management solution, Glows|DMS.

Exhaustive site statistics are generated monthly and provide valuable insight to a Web site?s effectiveness and future development.