Website Development Process

The consulting and planning stage lays the groundwork for everything else, and the first deliverable item is the site architecture. The architecture is an outline that is the direct result of the information-gathering process and defines how knowledge gained from this research is used to deliver the desired communications message(s). A well-structured architecture will enable team members from both the client and ddm to have a shared understanding of the site’s objectives and requirements. The architecture defines the site map, navigational structure, and menu hierarchy for the entire site.

In the first stage of design, ddm will provide two to three multi-level design concepts to the client’s web development team. Close coordination and overlapping strengths between our designers and programmers ensure that each concept can be efficiently built according to project specifications. Two rounds of concept revisions based on the client feedback are considered a natural and expected part of the design process.

Initial planning and programming for an interactive project often overlaps the design phase. Analysis of information collected in the planning stage allows us to begin to accommodate content issues like common types of content (“typicals”) and anomalous content (“exceptions”), as well as process issues like workflow and authorization.

For each website project we work on, we have at least three checkpoints during the programming stage: Prototype, Alpha, and Beta.

Prototype – fulfills the design stage and converts the approved design concept to static HTML pages, allowing all team members to view it "live" in their browser.

Alpha – transfers the prototype to the final deployment system (e.g., as coded by a CMS or blog engine) in a development environment and real content (copy and imagery) is introduced. At this point, there are some targeted areas that will not be ready, but the bulk of the normal content will be in place and available for client review.

Beta – assumes that virtually all content is in place and the project is 99% complete. Final approval is the last step before it's ready to be transferred to a live hosting environment.

In this stage of work, the completed website pages and components are migrated to the final hosting environment. Functionality testing is performed to confirm consistent operation from the test environment to the live hosting environment.

Now what? You have a site, it works, and it connects your potential clients to what you do. But did you know you can leverage your website to work harder for you? Similar to sending an existing sales employee to training, our lead-generation techniques can drive more targeted traffic to your site increasing your conversions from potential customer to satisfied customer.

More than just increasing the number of people who see your site, you need to maintain your site. Operating a website is like steering a car down the road. You can't just lock your steering wheel dead ahead. External forces – bumps, wind, other vehicles – force you to make adjustments to maintain your course. The road might even (gasp!) curve.

Similar things happen with your website – customers demand more information, search engine algorithms change, and competitors develop a stronger presence. The Internet adds things like blogs, videos, social networks, and web 2.0; this medium is changing and ddm can help navigate through these changes. We'll help your site be an increasingly effective communications tool.

ddm can help you with the essential maintenance and promotion required to keep your website on course.