Web project process

There's a lot to consider when building a website, and creating one that truly accomplishes your goals takes careful planning.

The key to success is a tried-and-tested workflow system that breaks the job down into a series of manageable tasks. At every point along the way, we work with you and agree on progress before moving on to the next. The full list is given below, although the number of steps will vary depending on the specific needs of your website. But first…

Clear roles, good communications

It's essential that everyone involved in the project (you and us) knows what to expect at every stage. Everyone's roles and responsibilities are defined at the outset and clear communication is established via an online project-management system. Our project-management system works through a website, is easy to use and means that everyone can stay in touch with progress and exchange information and files easily.

Stage 1: Project definition

This is the most important part! Together, we work out what's really required from your website and analyse your organisation's needs and those of your intended audience. We decide on the site's content - text, pictures, publications etc. - while taking into account your existing website, if you have one. We also agree a schedule and a budget.

Stage 2: Information design

This is when we come up with a structure for your site. The content is organised so that it can be presented in an effective and easy-to-understand way. The site is planned around your organisation's goals and well thought-out routes through the content are created so that visitors can achieve theirs. At this stage we can test the usability of our design cheaply and efficiently using a paper prototype.

Stage 3: Wireframe and content refinement

As the structure takes shape around the content, a ‘wireframe’ version of the site is built. This is a live prototype of the site without the visual elements, which you can try out. Feedback is incorporated into the site and the content is refined.

Stage 4: Visual interface design

Next, we put a face on the structure to tie it in with the rest of your organisation's identity and enhance usability. Our designers produce a series of visuals showing how various pages of the site would look. After your feedback, the design is agreed and is ready to be applied.

Stage 5: Visual prototyping and usability testing

The visual styling is applied to the prototype site. This is also an opportunity for further usability testing, perhaps by a focus group of you organisation's members: can people using the site easily accomplish their intended tasks? For example, can they find the information they need or join as a member?

Stage 6: Site build

Building work commences on the final site, with all of the intended functionality and content. This is the point at which we'll integrate your site with a Content Management System, if required. It's also when we do most of the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work. Oh, and more testing!

Stage 7: Launching the new site

With the site complete, you'll need to prepare for the big day and we can help. Typically, this means informing the press, your members and funders. This is also the time to plan what happens next and make preparations for maintaining the site. You might want to think about staging future events and updates to keep up the momentum. An email newsletter is ideal for this.