Find out how intelligent planning can reap huge dividends when developing websites.
Many web designers act like the proverbial “bull in a china shop” when it comes to making their websites. They like to go straight in and develop their site without giving it any forethought. This train of thought can lead to a giant slap in the face when problems arise and could lead to delays on an already tight deadline.
First of all…
No two websites are the same and no two clients are the same. No matter how similar two websites may seem, your client may have different goals and objectives with their site. It’s good to define what those objectives are, how to measure the site’s success, and create a concrete target to work towards that success.
It’s very important that everybody is singing from the same songsheet at this stage. Any confusion can lead to a less than satisfactory end-product, delays, or hours of work that will go to waste. All of which could be avoided at the planning stage.
Equally important, is knowing how much planning is needed. For example, a client would like some animation on their site. You need to know how deeply you want to think about this. First of all, what can you use to animate objects? Flash? JavaScript? If your using JavaScript, then do you use raw JavaScript or do opt for a framework? If you opt for a framework, which one do you use? jQuery? Mootools? Prototype? These questions can go on and on and before you know it you’ve wasted a great deal of time planning one aspect of the site. So there should be a cut off point when it comes to depth of planning.
User Definition
By this stage, you and your client should have good understanding of what is required from the project. It goes without saying that every website has a target audience. So it’s very important to take the end-user into consideration. This will have a massive influence on the website, from the design upwards. For example, if your client’s target market are women you’re more than likely going to use a pink colour scheme, or pastel colours. If you’re using stock images you’re not necessarily going to put images of businessmen all over the place.
Its important to find out who your clients target market is. Think about genders, age groups, interests, hobbies, occupations, even ethnicity. Try to research the target user’s needs, maybe visit similar sites and glean some ideas from there.
Budget
Many designers discount budgetary considerations. Businesses have a budget for everything and a website is no exception. It important to find out what the client wants from their website and how much they are willing to spend on your services. Some clients may want a website with all the trimmings but are not willing to pay for it. You may have quoted £2000 for the project but the end result may be worth £3000. So if necessary, work out a compromise. If they want something then they must pay for it. It’s better to part ways with the client rather than committing to hours worth of work you’re not being paid for.
Technology
In this day and age, web designers are spoilt for choice when it comes to web technologies. Is the web page static, dynamic, or will the client administer it? If so, what server-side scripting is required? PHP, ASP, Perl, Ruby On Rails? Also think about client-side scripting: JavaScript, jQuery, Mootools, Prototype? Next on the list are databases: MySQL, SQL Server, PostgreSQL?
For the front-end what will you use to deliver the website besides the standard XHTML and CSS? Will you use Flash or some form of JavaScript when creating some sort of user interaction? What media are you designing for? You may be designing a website for a desktop computer, for a mobile device, or maybe even both. So it’s important to find out the imitations. For example, Flash is not available on the iPhone so using Flash on a website designed for the iPhone is pointless.
The Future
The main reason for planning is to limit problems in the future. Especially during this current economical climate, clients will be looking to having a future-proof website, that will save them money in the long run. It important to ensure that the website has room to grow over time. Don’t just plan up until the website goes live as your client may want your services again in the future.
October 5th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Very informative.
October 5th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I read this mainly because I’ve recently gained interest in the behind the internet type of thinking. I’ve watched tutorials read blogs tried different pre-made type websites such as ning and blogspot. I work with dreamweaver, and flash creators. At first I was using notebook, paint ,and microsoft moviemaker. I will continue to read your work and see what I learn.