Web design is a multi-faceted job. It’s not just about the look of a web page, but a lot of things are factored into it. However, there is a base structure underneath every web design process. You break it down into little steps and take one step at a time, and you will see the entire task in a new light.
Whether you go for a professional Web Design in Penrith or do it yourself, understanding the web design process is incredibly important.
So, here, this blog will teach 6 primary steps of the web design process.
1. Goal & Scope Identification
The goals of the website come before anything else in this process. Every website has a goal, be it improving sales or re-branding. So, the first step in a web design process is identifying that goal.
You may have multiple sessions with your client to understand their end goals and other requirements. It’s vital you get this right because a lot of things ride on this initial step. A few questions to ask are:
- Who is the target audience?
- Is the main goal to make sales? Or to attract leads?
- What are the products/services offered?
- Any brand-specific elements they want to include, such as brand colours or messages.
Once you have this deep understanding of your client’s requirements, you move on to establishing the project’s scope. That is, what pages and elements the site will need to achieve the goal, as well as the timeframe for implementing them.
The entire process can go south if this initial step isn’t carried out properly.
2. Design
Sitemap and wireframing come in this step. It’s fun to design a website, but it also requires proper diligence so the design is aligned with the goals established.
A sitemap is the foundation of a website, much like a blueprint of a house. It shows the connection between various web pages and conveys a clear idea of information structure. For example, the home page is connected to multiple other pages like products, testimonials, art galleries etc. Then the art galleries page may again branch out into contemporary, modern, and traditional.
Now, after creating the sitemap, you build a wireframe. A wireframe is a web page layout that shows what interface components will be displayed on web pages. It’s only a mockup presentation of how the website will look in the end.
3. Review
In the third step, you present the designs to the client. It’s not one session, but it can extend to a period of time. During this time, you can discuss the layout, colours, and so on with the client and receive inputs. Then you make the required changes based on the feedback received from the client.
The review part of the process is crucial to the whole process because, ultimately, we have to meet the client’s goals and requirements.
4. Content & Visuals
Another important aspect of web design is the content and visuals because website engagement relies on these to a great degree. The users will bounce to another website if your content and visuals don’t satisfy their needs.
The content matters because it drives the visibility of your website on search engines. We use SEO to boost our chances of ranking well on Google. This drives traffic to websites organically.
Also, visuals are equally important. This is where web designers shine brightly. This stage of the design process is shaped by existing branding components, colour palettes, and logos specified by the client.
Like content, visuals also boost engagement and clicks on the website. So, you have to get it right.
5. Develop
Development (step 5) moves simultaneously with step 4. After the design has been accepted, the website will be sent to the developer.
The developer starts building the website on a production server so that you may view it online without making it public. Simultaneously, you can collaborate with the copywriter and other people to finalise the voice, content, and visuals.
This is generally the most time-consuming portion of the process, but it is also the most crucial!
6. Test & Launch
The final step of the web design process is to test and launch the website.
Once all the above steps are completed, it’s time to review the website on the test server. After all the important people have gone through the test site, they will provide their feedback. And you will have to make necessary changes based on the feedback before finalizing it.
Then, launch! The developer will begin the launch process, which includes setting up the domain and hosting. Your site should be online soon.
There were 6 steps in the web design process.
You should remember these steps whether you have a professional in Web Design in Parramatta or do it yourself.
And remember, the work of a website is not a one time job. It needs regular refining based on multiple factors like analytics and user response. However, with the website’s launch, the major work is done.
