People’s needs come first in designing for the Web, at the individual level -- from this well-considered origin -- these needs are applied globally via the World Wide Web. To achieve the best results a standard process is followed, which is briefly outlined in four areas defined below:

DEFINE

• Discovery – Questions are asked and answered -- what is the scope and scale of the project; who are you and what are your needs and style, who are your customers (target audience), and what is your market?
  


• Clarification of scope – Feedback and discussion so everyone understands where their participation is expected, determine available resources for creating and maintaining the site. Develop communication plan, and sign off phases. If the site is a newly developed one, register the domain, and enter it in search engines.

• Planning - describe how the project will develop, map out the phases and allocation of resources both human and technical.
  
  
• Implementation - Confirm file structures and naming conventions. Create wireframes, sitemap, prototype pages, and live pages for site demonstrations. Confirm the design and information architecture. Review content and flow, correct, alter, refine, and complete.

• QA/Testing – Verify that everything works to your standards, and to W3C Web Standards. Then test for usability and accessibility.



• Delivery – client reviews the work, signs off and approves launch on the World Wide Web.

• Launch, maintain and if any problem arises troubleshoot; and plan for new or updated content on the next revision.

• Personal contact information exchange
• Proposal and Process description
• Project Plan
• Technical and Creative Specifications
• Wireframes
• Sign-off Forms
• Change Management Forms
• Contract
• Invoices

First, establish who the customer is and what the tone should be. The most important discovery issue is “Who is your customer and what do you think they need to know or do?”

The second most important subject of inquiry to clearly identify is what are the clients needs or what do they wish to accomplish.

Once you have established your customer base, what is your sales tone? What do you offer which sets you apart from other companies in the same or similar fields? What do they need?

Brainstorm ideas – what are your favorite similar sites on the Internet? Compile lists and view them individually and then together. Discuss the features and content ideas they present – such as navigation, and interactive flow. All ideas are welcome. As we shift through ideas, the practical, best ideas will surface, and these can be implemented.

Meanwhile gather the actual content you have been using for sales, such as text, print, copy, brochures, products, pictures, product analysis and assign your marketing representative or hiring a marketing firm to assist you with the content. You know your business and your customer better than anyone else will - so you are the source for content for your site.

Organize the materials by grouping like ideas and content into clear sections. These materials are a prime source for designing and detailing the wire frames - basic componants of site design.

Marketing

Other subjects for discussion are:

• Search Engine Submission
  
• Cross links and advertising with partner sites
  
• Other forms of marketing
  
• Launch events
  
• Targeted advertising
  

  Traffic
  How to get it, and how to keep it. How to monitor it, and why. Bizrate and other forms of retailer public reporting and analysis.
  

• Basic security
• Security audits