Web site, a necessity this days for any business or organization, no matter large or small; it is now a requirement not many can disregard in order to stay relevant on markets. Research indicates that although the concept of online technologies to support businesses has been around for many years now, the idea of developing the most appropriate system often seems to be troubling for both the one seeking and the one willing to deliver such solution.
The key ingredient to assure the most accurate course of web production commitment is the PROCESS; a detailed project life-cycle; which, if appropriately measured, guarantees a positive outcome for both sides of the online presence creation scenario.
The following are a few clever and useful tips to avoid money loss, disappointment or even embarrassment.
1. PLANNING
This level involves determining the project goal and running a feasibility study amongst the client and all involved departments, taking into consideration all the necessary resources, project cost, equipment, practicality, skills, knowledge, experience etc.
Discovering and understanding what we need to built in the first place — is the most important part of the entire website development process. Simply make sure that resources are in place and all departments confidently understand the concept.
2. UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS
Now it is a time to refine the general understanding of the goal. A general, detailed discussion, ideally followed by a supporting research must take place in order to avoid mistakes.
Preliminary specifications are drawn up by covering up each and every element of the requirement. Each module of the site including general layout, site navigation and dynamic parts, integrations, SEO or the incredibly important – content, has to be addressed here.
Prepare a questionnaire a “creative brief”; gather as many questions as you can from all involved departments, assure the question relevance and do everything in your power to make the client answer every single one of them. This answers will serve as a base for designers and developers and their decision making; loose your focus here and you will face complications in the later stages of the project for sure.
3. DOCUMENTATION
Now its a time to prepare the documentation. There are two crucial pieces to write, the technical specification and the designs. This is where the creative brief we prepared earlier becomes very handy. Based on that brief the designers can propose the visual interpretation of the questions answered and developers can confidently write a list of elements, functions end technologies necessary to assure the most satisfying project closure.
This documentation is vital; it commits both parties, assures smooth development process and minimizes the probability of costly changes to the project.
Once signed off by the client, the magical process of the actual build of the application may begin. From now on everything is in the hands of the designers and developers. The budget was decided, concepts approved, project team remains confident – positive and profitable outcome assured.
Of course there always are some limitations and complications but taking seriously this initial stages of the web development lifecycle will minify immensely the chances of misunderstanding, disappointment and most of all possibility of a ruined budgets.
Damian Budny is a Creative Thinker and Web Developer at Happy Creative, a full service marketing and creative agency based in Blackpool, Lancashire. To learn more or contact us please go towww.happy-creative.co.uk.
