website design
A website needs to reflect the quality, capabilities and service standards of the organisation it represents so it is important the final product achieves this goal.
In many ways the term website design that is commonly used to indicate web design services understates the actual process required to produce an effective and functional online organisational presence.
A more accurate term is website development as the actual site design itself is the latter part of a larger process detailed below in the development process section.
In providing web site design services byting images use alternate development approaches depending on the needs of the client.
- For small and medium static sites (websites that do not change content often, do not need regular updates or use a database) byting images will design the website and organise to host the site with a service provider of your choosing.
- Websites which require content management systems, regular content updates, e-commerce, or a combination of some or all, where appropriate we use the services of the Adobe Business Catalyst Platform which is an excellent cost effective fully developed internet application that can be customised to the needs of the client.
- Not all sites are suitable for pre developed internet applications (Software As A Service) as they require unique solutions due to the need to integrate existing IT frameworks or specific requirements not available on pre-built platforms. In these instances byting images engage the services of programming and database specialist to build a tailored application that meets the specific needs of the organisation.
the development process
The level of development process needed will be dependent on the type of website required.
What follows is a broad outline only but provides a good insight into the complexities involved with website development.
- Gain an understanding of your business and what you want the website to achieve:
- What you want the site to do and how does it fit within your current marketing strategies.
- Type of site – static, frequent updates or content changes, application driven.
- Envisaged scope of site (number of pages, sections and depth).
- Ideas or aspects you feel are important to include.
- Appraisal of competitor websites.
- Identify the functionality and components required –
- Content management and (if needed) e-commerce requirements.
- Programming and database requirements.
- Sourcing required content inclusive of images and corporate livery.
- Ongoing site management – who, when and if training required.
- Content management and (if needed) e-commerce requirements.
- Document and develop flowcharts of site structure and required business processes:
- Initial site layout –
- Overall site sections and section pages.
- Interactive pages - content updates, shopping cart –
- Business logic and flow.
- Database requirements.
- Modify where required after consultation and review.
- Initial site layout –
- Develop visual design based on:
- Site layout and functionality.
- Corporation livery (logo, colours, unique marketing features).
- Integrated with current marketing strategies.
- Modifications after consultation and review.
- Engage programming and database specialists (if not using Adobe Business Catalyst).
- Develop test site integrating programming and site design.
- Test site.
- Launch final site.