Creation Process



To ensure that the client’s needs are met, AM Media Creators follows a seven-phase process for designing and developing websites. We work to support your unique vision, communicate your message, improve your web presence, and create an effective online following through a systematic process. Each phase will be discussed in detail in the following sections, but they can be identified in the available graphic (right). Starting with Discovery Phase and cycling around to the Maintenance Phase, we undergo an extensive process, which might extend for months or even years. While each project is unique, the overarching goal is to create the best possible product designed to meet your individual or organizational needs.

One important interpretation of the graphic (right) is its cyclical nature. We believe that the best web properties (i.e. websites, social networking strategies, etc.) continue to evolve based upon their experience, audience, organizational culture/structure, and culture in general. It may seem unnecessary (or even unusual) to continually alter a site’s content/look/feel. But, the reality is that audiences change, organizations change, and in response, online strategies become ineffective. The best online strategies evolve, and for this reason, we express our design & development process as on going exercise.

Phase 1: Discover

The most critical step in site creation is to develop an accurate picture of the site’s purpose, goals, target  audience, content, and style guidelines. The step involves a good understanding of your organization–what your goals and dreams are, what your experience is with online strategies, and how the web can be utilized to achieve one’s goals.  To better prepare for site creation, it is important that we understand who you are and what you need before we develop your online identity. The acquired information will shape a strategy most appropriate for your organization’s goals.

At the beginning of the process, the client will be asked to complete an online survey to retrieve the following information: (1) organizational description, (2) project description, (3) client preferences, and (4) information related to the organization’s current online strategy (i.e. existing site/technology, hosting accounts, etc.).

Following the survey, a report of the client’s submission will be prepared for a phone conference or face-to-face meeting. The client interview will provide an opportunity to inform the client regarding the process, expected timeline, and associated costs. The meeting will, also, be a time to ask question regarding the specifics of the project.

Based on the client survey and interview, a project plan will establish the timeline for deliverables and tasks in each stage of the process: (1) design, (2) development, (3) deployment, (4) marketing, (5) monitoring, (6) and maintenance. The project plan will, also, include recommendations for the site’s structure, style elements, technical requirements, functional components, etc. based on the client’s preferences. Following the submission of the project plan, the client will be asked to approve the proposed plan by accepting an official quote. Note: The project plan will include provisions specifying the hourly rates and/or total project cost.

Phase 2: Design

Once the project plan is approved, the design team will begin to plan the user experience and visual design for the site. These components will be based on the recommendations from the client and the goals for the website. User experience refers to the architecture and navigation for the site. How will the site be organized? What are the most important elements? How will the user interact with the content? These and other questions are to be asked when designing the user experience. In order to assist with this, the design team will send site maps (visual hierarchy of web pages) and wireframes to clients. More information is provided below.

To design the structure and organization of the site, we will present a sitemap based on information from the client survey and interview. In most cases, the sitemap will be discussed and presented as a part of the master plan. For more complex sites, the sitemap will be a visual diagram, including specific pages, blog categories, etc.

Wireframing is a simple visual of the site’s container (e.g. header, navigation, images,  content body, functional elements, and footer). This will be designed based on the client survey and interview, modeling the home page and subsidiary pages (blog pages, etc.).

A branding guide is a comprehensive document including the site’s color palette, logo design, fonts, and design elements (e.g. rounded edges). The guide will be designed by our graphic designer, Daniel Barcelo. See the marketing description for more information.

Following the initial organization and design, the site’s template will be constructed. AM Media Creators uses WordPress as its base program, which is easily customized using its template functions. We will work with you to create the right look and feel that best represents your vision and needs.

Page copy includes the initial content to be entered into the site’s organization. We will work with you designthe right content that fits your design and strategy. Text, images, and multimedia are included.

In conjunction  with the design of page copy, we will ensure that SEO standards are followed. This process includes simple editorial changes within the code (e.g. em and strong tags) for identifying critical or recurring elements. Additional tools will be used in the WordPress install to accomplish this task.

Phase 3: Development

The development phase is an opportunity to create additional functions beyond the traditional template. Specific examples include custom podcast players, flash media players, another customized tools. Programming may require additional surveys or interviews to determine specificity of the project.

As previously mentioned, AM Media Creators uses WordPress as its base platform. As needed, tools an plugins will be added to your site to accomplish certain task. This integration is a simple way to alleviate additional costs and time associate with raw application development.

Phase 4: Deploy

Following the discovery, design, and development stages, the site will be launched to the public. Deployment will include a series of quality checks and peer reviews. Depending on the site’s size and content, one  to two outside reviewers will be selected to provide feedback on the site. This can be accomplished informally or in a survey. Any necessary changes will be made, and the site will be finalized.

Phase 5: Market

Next, we will work with you to establish a marketing strategy. AM Media Creators uses an outside contractor to accomplish this important task.  See the marketing description for more information.

Phase 6: Monitor

The monitoring process is an ongoing exercise for ensuring the long-term sustainability and accuracy of the site infrastructure and content. Over time, programming and content will need to change. Based on the client’s contract, we will monitor this on an on-going basis. Included within this relationship is the concept of managed hosting. A description is available.

Phase 7: Maintenance

In conjunction with the monitoring phase, maintenance refers to the ongoing design and development relationship. Based on the client’s contract, we will maintain the site information and infrastructure through an on-demand service. Specific examples include blog management, message board moderation, media development, and additional templates.

Resources

Bowlby, S. (2008, March 20). 6 Phases of the Web Site Design and Development Process. iDesign Studios. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/web-design/phases-web-design-development-process/.

Our Web Design Process Methodology. (n.d.). Boston Computing Network. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.bostoncomputing.net/webdesign/methodology/.

Process. (n.d.). Boston Interactive –Web Design. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.bostoninteractive.com/process.asp.

Web Design Process. (2010, April 14). The University of Texas at Austin: Learning Web Design Process. Retrieved August 15, 2010, from http://www.utexas.edu/learn/designprocess/index.html.