The Development Process

Corporate Development Process
In an ideal project, there are requirements defined by the assigned Project Manager and detailed in the project specifications document. From that documentation, I develop visual mockups of the application that illustrate the entire process of a task being performed within the application. For example, if application XYZ requires 12 steps to complete a task or process, the mockups developed show those 12 steps either as 12 separate graphics or graphics that show the options that area available (if multiple options are available on one screen). After transforming the project requirements into visual mockups, I share those graphics with the Project Manager and the Client. At this stage, it is easy to adjust the design or flow because the mockups are simply graphical displays. Once the flow and design are approved by the Client, coding is ready to start.

I cut up all graphics that will be needed in the interface display and create a CSS style sheet in tandem. Now that the CSS is ready, I code the presentation HTML layer for the approved design. As I code the HTML layer, I test the design in both Internet Explorer and FireFox to ensure that the CSS is functioning properly and remains scalable when the browser is resized or when the screen resolution is adjusted. When the HTML presentation layer is completed, I hand off the CSS, images and HTML files to the Application Developer to insert the more intricate application code.

When the Application Developer has finished with the code, I then return to the design to assess the overall display and ascertain that the interface matches the approved visual design that the client has approved. If necessary, I adjust the HTML, CSS, and XSLT files to finish the design. At this point, the project is deemed completed and given over to the Project Manager and Client for final client acceptance.

If a project does not start with defined specifications or requirements, I usually work with the Project Manager and Client to determine project details and to understand the client’s goals and expectations for the project. After these discussions, the Project Manager has to document the specifications and I can start the initial visual design and then proceed as detailed above.

Freelance Design Process
When I first talk with a client, I ask the client to tell me what their goals are with the web site. Is it a site to sell a widget? Is it an informational site? What do they want to say? Then I ask for requirements, a list of sites which are similar to their to-be-designed site that they personally like and explanations as to why they like said site. By asking the client to define their goals and to show me their likes and dislikes, I am able to get a read as to what direction they would like to head in.

I develop a custom quote based on the scope of the project and if approved, I develop three graphical mockups that show the client what their site could look like. The client then reviews the mockups and adjustments are made based on what works for them.

Once the mockup has been approved, I start to build the site. Before we go live with the site, I put up a test site where the client can see the site in action and give feedback before the code is finalized.

When the site has been finalized, I load up site to the client's server or hosting location. At this time, I provide the client with a spreadsheet that shows the content of each page's title, keywords, and description tags.

And that's it.