The process of designing and developing a website can be quite overwhelming and challenging. A lot of thought, effort and discussions lead to the launch of a 'perfect website'. Knowing how hard the entire process is, it will be a good idea to divide the website development process into different stages. Following are the steps which I have followed to design this web project:
1. Analysis
Why do we need a website? Make sure we have an answer to that one before even thinking of going further. It is particularly important in the case of Business Websites. A business must analyze why it wants a website (a business model) - to promote the business, generate revenue or offer support to customers. The website is going to a part of the system. How the web based application or website will help the existing system or the business should be basis of the analysis.
After analyzing requirements from a business perspective, it is then time to focus on user needs. Make sure it can clearly classify our target audience and establish functionalities the user will require. Before developing this website I have consulted with actual or potential users and discuss key factors that might affect the website from client's perspective.
2. Specification
A 'functional' specification is a blueprint or a detailed plan of the website. After carefully considering business and user requirements, I have formed a website specification. What should be included in the menu, how content will be structured, how tasks should be generated etc. There were many question in my mind which I have to answered at this stage. I have worked on Prototypes, mocked up web pages or illustrations of how a website will work at this step.
3. Design and Development
Drawing from the information gathered in the above two stages, it's time to determine the look and feel of site. As a web designer I have created one or more prototype designs for the web site. A lot of suggestions and changes has made in this stage.
I have just concerned with how the website looks and if it fits any client requirement.
User Experience and Usability both come into play here. And once the layout/design is finalized, it safe to move to the next step of developing.
The developmental stage is the point where the website itself is created. As a developer takes all graphic elements from the designing part and uses them to create an actual functional site. Developing requires a lot of technical knowledge and programming.
4. Testing and Delivery
At this stage, the entire website is come to provide a close look at minute details and test the website. Following is a checklist of things to test which I have applied on the website before launching: (there are various tools and testers available online)
· Flexibility (Try varying window sizes and font sizes)
· Speed (access the site via a modem & check image size specification)
· Validation (validate HTML, CSS and check for broken links)
· Browser Independence
· Accessibility
After passing the testing phase, it is time to deliver the site. I have used FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program to upload the website files on the server. After website is uploaded to the server, the site has passed through a final last run trial to confirm if all files have been uploaded correctly and make sure the site continues to be fully functional.
This stage marks the launch of teh website, its now viewable to public.
The steps mentioned above are a broad outline of steps which I have followed to develop and maintain a website.
1. Analysis
Why do we need a website? Make sure we have an answer to that one before even thinking of going further. It is particularly important in the case of Business Websites. A business must analyze why it wants a website (a business model) - to promote the business, generate revenue or offer support to customers. The website is going to a part of the system. How the web based application or website will help the existing system or the business should be basis of the analysis.
After analyzing requirements from a business perspective, it is then time to focus on user needs. Make sure it can clearly classify our target audience and establish functionalities the user will require. Before developing this website I have consulted with actual or potential users and discuss key factors that might affect the website from client's perspective.
2. Specification
A 'functional' specification is a blueprint or a detailed plan of the website. After carefully considering business and user requirements, I have formed a website specification. What should be included in the menu, how content will be structured, how tasks should be generated etc. There were many question in my mind which I have to answered at this stage. I have worked on Prototypes, mocked up web pages or illustrations of how a website will work at this step.
3. Design and Development
Drawing from the information gathered in the above two stages, it's time to determine the look and feel of site. As a web designer I have created one or more prototype designs for the web site. A lot of suggestions and changes has made in this stage.
I have just concerned with how the website looks and if it fits any client requirement.
User Experience and Usability both come into play here. And once the layout/design is finalized, it safe to move to the next step of developing.
The developmental stage is the point where the website itself is created. As a developer takes all graphic elements from the designing part and uses them to create an actual functional site. Developing requires a lot of technical knowledge and programming.
4. Testing and Delivery
At this stage, the entire website is come to provide a close look at minute details and test the website. Following is a checklist of things to test which I have applied on the website before launching: (there are various tools and testers available online)
· Flexibility (Try varying window sizes and font sizes)
· Speed (access the site via a modem & check image size specification)
· Validation (validate HTML, CSS and check for broken links)
· Browser Independence
· Accessibility
After passing the testing phase, it is time to deliver the site. I have used FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program to upload the website files on the server. After website is uploaded to the server, the site has passed through a final last run trial to confirm if all files have been uploaded correctly and make sure the site continues to be fully functional.
This stage marks the launch of teh website, its now viewable to public.
The steps mentioned above are a broad outline of steps which I have followed to develop and maintain a website.
