DESIGN PROCESS
The following steps outline the
design process at Katz & Mouse, starting from initial design through site launch.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Katz & Mouse encourages our clients to answer the following
questions:
1. What do you want to accomplish with your web site?
2. How can your users benefit from this site?
3. What will keep users on your site?
4. What will encourage users to return to your web site?
Answering these questions will facilitate the process of establishing a timeline for development, as well as the creation of a budget and project guideline. Once this has been completed, you will receive a Web Site Proposal by email containing a
cost estimate and list of deliverables along with a project timeline. Once an agreement has been reached, Katz &
Mouse will begin the first stage of development.
STAGE 1
INITIAL DESIGN
Katz & Mouse uses a
client-centered process to create the "look and feel" of a web
site. The most important aspect of this stage of development is the establishment of goals for the site. For visitors, this will be the face of your organization as well as the vehicle for them to do business with you. To achieve these ends, Katz & Mouse will create several configurations for the home page template. From these, a
strong design direction will emerge, leading to the development of a fully functional design.
STAGE 2
PROTOTYPE AND PROGRAMMING
Prototyping and programming get into full swing after finalization of the design. The prototype determines whether or not the chosen design functions
well across the entire site. During this stage, a fully operational home page template
with secondary and tertiary page templates are developed. Finished media elements and
graphics are processed and compressed into their respective
Internet formats during this phase.
STAGE 3
BETA TESTING, SITE LAUNCH AND PROMOTION
Your site will be thoroughly
tested using multiple browsers across the major platforms. At this time, your feedback will be more important than ever. This is the time to put on finishing touches to insure that the site reflects the professionalism of your organization.
Once everything has been completed, the question arises, how will people find the site? In this regard, many clients are concerned about search engine rankings. As a part of the development process, Katz and Mouse will optimize the site for search engine ranking, as well as offer sound and realistic advice on how best to promote the site.