My approach to web design

W3C web standards compliant

W3C Logo I am proud to build all my projects to be W3C web standards compliant.

I understand that standards compliance is not just successful validation of the code. Web standards were created to force the developers (like myself) to use more meaningful semantic markup with content separated from presentation.

The main benefits of using web standards are:

Faster loading pages and less server traffic
Easier support and update
Accessibility to any platform, audience or media
Search engine friendly content and site structure
Coding with web standards requires more knowledge and experience and this prevents other web agencies from using them
Web standards does not set any limitations for visual design and is faster than old-school techniques

User friendly design

User friendly design. Usability When designing web sites I remember the golden rule: "If the user cannot easily accomplish his goals on your site, he leaves". When your site loses visitors, your business loses money.

I spend a great deal of site development time on the development of easy-to-use site layout and navigation, and usability testing of applied solutions. Many large web agencies do not test for usability, since it is invisible to client and it is hard to charge for it.

I build custom solutions and individual site designs that work the best for your business, just take a look a my portfolio.

My creative approach

Jigsaw puzzle The first impression about your company is made by visual look and feel and I work hard to make the visual design of your site, appealing, professional and most of all, individual. Many web design agencies simply re use the same templates for their designs, this is something I do not advocate.

My graphic design skills are of the highest quality and coupled with my ability to program, you have the best of both worlds.

I believe good design is about more than flashy graphics and flaming logos. Good design is based on sound design principles.

Principles such as:

A good strong layout that helps structure and organise the content
A clear hierarchy of information, so the user knows what elements have more importance than others
A good foundation in colour theory. This takes into account the emotional and cultural connotations of colour
A design style that reinforces your brand identity rather than undermining it
A careful use of typography to ensure legibility and reinforce brand identity

I recognise that design is one ingredient in the mix of a good site and has to work alongside accessibility, usability and technological constraints.

However, talk is cheap. Do not take my word for it view my work for yourself.

The key stages of the web design process

Building Blocks I have found that the delivery of a successful web solution is based on the simple key stages outlined below:

Initial meeting

Whether face to face or done via telephone or video conference, initial discussions give me a chance to understand the needs of your business and what you are looking to achieve through your project. Both parties should ask enough questions of each other so that all key issues relating to a website are highlighted and discussed. From this meeting I will be able to provide an estimate of costs.

Discovery & analysis

I define the main objective for your web site and determine the target audience. I create a project plan and timeline. I gather content and graphics. I determine domain and hosting requirements. I lay the foundation of the website by identifying site navigation, layout, required pages, scripting, database needs, and all other web elements. I also discuss and determine the keywords and phrases that best describe your business or product for search engine purposes.

Design

I will then go away and produce 3 to 4 unique conceptual designs based on the information given above. These will be presented to you (normally within 5 working days). At this stage I ask you for your opinion and feedback to ensure we are on the same wavelength and working towards your expectations. I ask you to be highly critical and analyze the designs.

Refinement

This phase focuses on fine tuning the website based on the feedback received from you. I take your ideas/suggestions and incorporate them into the design. Once you are completely satisfied I will then go away to start the development of the website.

Development

I move from design content to making the project real. I take all the content and images and integrate them into the site. I address and resolve all database integration issues. I test and debug all scripts and forms. I integrate all keywords and phrases throughout the web site. W3C Web standards and usability testing will be conducted at this phase to ensure that the website is optimised for speed and ease of use.

Deployment

This is the go live part of the project. Your site is uploaded to the internet and tested to assure that it functions properly. Any addition internet marketing plans are started. Your site is now a part of the World Wide Web.

Promotion

This is the marketing part of the project. Your site is now on the World Wide Web. The question is, how will customers find you. I will submit the website to search engines such as, Google, MSN and Yahoo!

Maintenance

To ensure repeat visits and repeat customers, web sites must constantly be new and fresh. I will help you maintain your success. Text content, images, pricing information, products, or any other web page element can be changed at any time. Depending on whether I developed a Content Management System for your project, I can either work on an hourly rate or I can come to an arrangement to maintain your web site over a period of time.

Contact me now for a free consultation about your project.

Please note that while all steps listed above may be used during a project, I usually create a custom plan for every client or new project, therefore the actual steps below will vary.