A Comprehensive Guide to the 6 Stages of Website Creation

Phases in Web Creation

1. Stage 1: Conceptualization

(1) Project Definition:

• Gather as much information as possible to determine what you want (and don't want) for your site.
• Analyze websites you currently use, along with competitors' sites, and gather feedback from colleagues and business peers.
• Develop a solid understanding of the company that will own the site.
• Define the website's purpose, goals, target audience, and content.

(2) Project Scope:

• Create a well-defined project scope plan outlining specific activities, deliverables, and timelines to set clear expectations.

Gantt Chart:

• One of the most common ways to track web projects.
• Outlines major activities, associated tasks, and start and end dates.
• Provides a visual reference for the team.
• Creates accountability between the web team and the client.

(3) Planning:

• Plan the content:
  • Create a list of all main topic areas and sub-topics for the site.
  • Utilize the information gathered and learned previously.
  • Determine what you want to communicate.
• Decide whether to handle maintenance in-house or outsource it.
• Decide which CMS technology to implement.
• Determine which resolutions to accommodate (responsive design?).

2. Stage 2: Planning (Continued)

(4) Site Structure:

• Define the information architecture.
• Create a site map with all key pages, showing their relationship to each other.
• Develop a consistent, easy-to-understand navigational system.

(5) Prototyping Templates:

• Define the visual aspects of your website.
• Determine the visual distribution of elements you want to incorporate.
• Create mock-ups (prototype pages) and wireframes to visualize the design and provide a skeletal framework for your website.

3. Stage 3: Design

(6) Graphic Design Templates (Look & Feel):

• Appropriate Design:
  • Align with the corporate image.
  • Cater to the target audience's profile.
  • Respect the defined structure.
• If details from Stages 1-2 are well-defined, designing the home page and subpages should be straightforward.

4. Stage 4: Development

(7) Programming:

• Write the language and code necessary for the website, adhering to all internet standards.
• Make any necessary corrections during this stage.

(8) Initial Content Generation:

• Develop content for publishing, including text, images, videos, or slideshows.

5. Stage 5: Final Site Launch

(9) Testing:

• Evaluate the website development process.
• Suggest changes based on user testing and focus group feedback.

(10) Uploading:

• Upload the website files to the server.

6. Stage 6: Maintenance

• Website maintenance is crucial.
• If you decided in Stage 2 to maintain full control, the website should be driven by a CMS, allowing you to edit content and add new pages.
• Take steps to ensure the site is secure, running optimally, and optimized for both visitors and search engines.

Usability

1. User-Centered Design:

A framework of processes where the needs, wants, and limitations of end-users are prioritized at every stage of the design process.

2. What is Usability?

The ease with which a human-made object can be used to achieve a specific goal. In web design, it refers to how easily users can understand and use a website. Usability encompasses satisfaction, efficiency, and effectiveness.

3. Benefits:

For Users:

• Reduced learning curve and effort.
• Decreased error rate.
• Improved user experience through reduced stress.

For Companies:

• Reduced user support costs.
• Optimized design, redesign, and maintenance costs.
• Increased visitor-to-client conversion rate.
• Enhanced brand image and prestige through positive user perception of usability.