Web design & development
From simple promotional web sites to fully featured e-commerce stores, we have developed web sites for every kind of application across a variety odf business sectors, from accountancy to travel, equestrian to recruitment.
Our web design and development process
Analysis & research
We begin each and every project with the Analysis stage. Depending upon the project, this stage could be a simple meeting or, for a larger project, a process that takes several weeks. Regardless of the complexity of the project, we believe it is imperative to start with this ‘thinking’ stage of the process. At the end of the stage, a full project specification is produced for sign-off by the client. Tasks at this stage typically include the following.
Objectives setting Defining the objectives for the project in order that a clear strategy can be developed and a set of success criteria agreed upon.
Competitor review We examine competing web sites (both direct and indirect competitors) to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current marketplace.
End user survey In order to develop the best possible customer experience, we survey a selection of end users in order to better understand their needs.
Use case analysis To understand how our target audience will use the site, we employ a series of use case scenarios in order to understand how to optimise the site.
SEO keyword research We brainstorm and research key words and phrases which visitors may use to search for the products and services offered and benchmark these against real search data in order to incorporate key words and phrases that potential visitors would actually use.
Project planning All of the tasks needed to complete the project are evaluated and organised into a project plan to maximise the efficiency of delivery of the project.
Project specification At the end of the Analysis & research stage, we produce a full project specification which outlines in detail all aspects of the project. This is then signed off by the Client and is the blueprint for the entire project.
Design
This stage is not confined to just creative design, though this is a significant activity. All aspects of the shape, structure, look and feel of the site is developed and, where appropriate, tested in order to optimise the final site for usability, accessibility and compatibility.
Architecture We design the structure of the web site to present the information it contains in the most logical way. Just like a building, the layout of a site affects the ability of a visitor to find their way around.
Interface design Intrinsically linked to the architecture, the interface needs to be defined in order to provide the best way to navigate around the structure of the web site. We consider menus, buttons, signposting and breadcrumb trails in order to provide an intuitive user interface.
Prototyping Depending upon its complexity, we may prototype all of or just parts of a site. These take the form of ‘wireframe’ prototypes that allows us to test the design of a particular page or process for ‘proof-of-concept’ before more expensive development work commences.
Creative We develop the ‘look and feel’ of the web site, including considering items such as logos, logotype, typography, imagery, user interface, video, animation and any other media. The creative stage also involves the development of search engine optimised copy for the site.
Development
The Development stage consists of developing the underlying foundations of a web site. As well as defining the hardware and hosting, this typically includes developing the various ‘components’ that need to come together to make the site work correctly, such as the database, business logic, templates and content.
Hosting There are various hosting options available, which we will evaluate and make recommendations for, depending on the scope of the project. We also consider the domain strategy and any e-mail requirements.
Hardware defined For a ‘from scratch’ project we will define and specify the hardware platform and operating system on which the web site will sit. In the case of existing hardware, we will consider any limitations or dependencies of the current solution to ascertain any impact on the project.
Database design We will define the correct database to use in the project and design the database schema and data dictionary, resulting in a database ready for data population.
Software defined We will define and specify the application software that may be required for the web site. Application software may include the web server software, content management system and any other tertiary systems, such as a payment gateway, for example.
Technical design We will consider the technical design of the web site to ensure that the various components work together in harmony.
Templating & CSS Following on from the creative design, we develop the various templates required for the site and develop the CSS style sheets from which all the pages of the web site use for their look and feel.
Content acquisition All of the content of the web site needs to be gathered and collated. This includes all of the content of the site including copy, graphics, images and any other media. At this stage the content is treated to optimise it for use on the web.
Build
The build stage is where the web site is actually constructed. This stage involves the actual coding, content integration and testing activities. As the culmination of the previous stages, the build should be straight forward as every aspect of the site will have been defined and planned.
Coding We develop the underlying HTML code for every page of the site. There can also be coding to control certain aspects of the presentation layer of the site.
Systems integration A web site can have a number of different systems that need to be tied together on a page to present the correct information. Typical systems may include the database, a postcode locator system, a shopping basket, or on-page application, for example.
Content integration All of the content of the site must be integrated into it. Typically, this includes placing content into the content management system or a database, though there are other areas where content may need to be integrated too.
Technical testing During the build, technical testing of each component will take place to ensure that the web site is functioning correctly.
Usability testing This occurs during the build process to ensure that the web site is usable. At this stage, certain aspects can be fine tuned to ensure the best possible usability.
Deployment
We operate a two-stage deployment where the final site is staged in a password protected area before being moved to a live environment once client acceptance is complete. During the deployment stage, any final tweaks are made, training takes place and final QA is undertaken.
Soft/hard launch Once completed, the site is deployed onto a password protected staged area for a ‘soft launch’. Once we are satisfied that the site is functioning correctly, we proceed to a public ‘hard launch’.
Client acceptance testing During the soft launch, the Client can review the site, ensuring all content is correct and provide end user feedback for final ‘tweaks’.
User training We use the ‘soft launch’ period to familiarise the Client with the web site and to provide training for any of the systems that the site may use, such as a content management system, CRM system or e-commerce store back office.
Back-up/disaster procedures Any back-up procedures put in place (such as an automated database back-up) are tested and any disaster recovery procedures are tested during ‘soft launch’.
Quality Assurance The deployment stage allows for a final quality assurance process where we check and double check the web site for any quality issues. Any problems identified are fixed prior to ‘hard launch’.
Execute launch marketing Once the site proceeds to ‘hard launch’, promotional activity, press announcements and any other launch marketing can commence.
Once launched, we provide a 45-day warranty after which the Client can choose between a number of maintenance programmes designed to offer a range of ongoing support options.
