Process
A frequent new client's question is 'how the process works' or "how do I come from an idea to a website'? Here we will get in some detail about it in the case of a website. Obviously, this can change according to the kind of website we are talking about.
To build, for example, a website of a small architecture office, there are a few steps.
Script
Usually the client brings a pre selected content material that he plans to publish in his website, for example, a few photos and texts. From this material we try to sketch the general areas in which this content will be divided. At this point we try to figure out the frequency the client plans to update this content and we choose between a static website or a CMS. We also define the needs involving more graphic material: more photos, illustrations, animations, etc. To this initial data we give the name of script. From it we will be capable of send a business proposal to the client, with values and a date when the job will be ready to be deployed in a server.
At this stage, we usually also ask some questions to try to determine some other type of data:
- Whether you are a business or a person, an artist or a a medical practitioner, try to think a little bit about your identity. What is your online identity? What is your image?
- How do you intent to interact with your public / clients / supplier? Although the enphasis on interaction, not all types of interaction are benefit to your business. Try to stablish priorities. What is more important to communicate to your public?
- What is your main public? Who are these people you'll be talking to through the website? What are the changes you are planning to this or that service? What are the vital wuestions that your digital solution can help you answer?
- Try to bring up the content material that you plan to show, so we know the quantity and quality of what you already have. We can also plan to get more material if we find it necessary: new photos, new text editing, etc.
From this first stage we'll have main areas of the website defined, its technology and scope. From this data we can present you a budget.
Budget and script aproval
On our second meeting we will present you a budget and a due date for the publishing of the website and we check the consistency of the script to move on to the next stage.
Interface and navigation design
After a while, we will show you an interface design, in which you can see all the main elements necessary to the comprehension on how the website will work: logo location and visual weight, navigation, one or two examples of the home page and internal pages, with a layout with text and imagens. But it is all print... usually a PDF file. You cannot click in anything, for the purpose of the interface design is... to model the interface. When it is approved, then we will build it, in the next stage of the job.
We always try to offer our clients some interface alternatives, so we can discuss the before they enter the production stage, so we don't spend time eventually building alternativas that will change in the next stage. This way, the client always know what he will receive. In a certain way, to have the interface design approved before it enters production is a warranty for both sides: the client follows all the steps and approves them, so he can be sure of what will come out in the end, and we don't spent time building a model that will have to be rebuilt.
Production
This is the real deal, when we finally start to generate the code of the website and to edit all the content to publish, using the technologies stablished in the script and interface design stages. In the end of this stage, we publish the website.
Usually we don't include the hosting service in our business proposal, but we can help our clients to find a good hosting service for its needs.
And that's it! If the process goes well, the small architecture office website is up and running in less than a month.
Updates and Maintenance
In some cases, there still is stage for website maintenance. Depending on the specifi case, the website content can be outdates quickly. So we can include a periodic maintenance for the website content in our proposal.
By now, you are probably asking: are you sure we have to have all of these meetings and stages? In fact, it depends on you; some prefer many meetings so they can be absolutely sure they are advancing slow and firmly; others clients prefer to leave the process a bit loose from the first meeting on. We are based in Brazil, so we usually talk throug skype or e-mail. In all cases, the client chooses the rhythm of our meetings.
Well, now that you know how it all happens, contact us!