Web Design & the Road to Virtual Sanity

Timeout. Take a deep breath. Web design can be an intimidating, stress-inducing process. The most wonderful thing about this is — it doesn’t have to be. 

Through an arsenal of web design projects — ranging from local not for profits to international Fortune 500s —we have iterated our way into the premier approach and process of website creation. Crafting one exceptional digital experience after another, we’ve learned a thing or two about the process of efficient web design, how to stay in line with client demands, and most importantly striking a balance between these moving parts.

To help navigate your next big project, we’ve dismantled the web design process and broken it into four exhaustive steps to assist you in the creation of a top-notch website. Our process maps out the initial discovery phase, information architecture (IA), wireframing, UI / UX prototyping, design research, HTML development, content implementation, quality assurance, and client reviews every step of the way, in an easy to follow, thoughtful, effective, “you’ll thank us later” diagram.

Part 1 | Strategy 

Moves like Bobby Fisher. Great web design is born from great strategy. From discovery phase to sketching out wireframes and every iteration in between, there must be a concise strategy that drives decision making — including a balanced approach based on company branding and its message, user experience (UX) needs, information architecture (IA) and the overall goal of the client. Thoroughly strategizing a custom-built digital solution is the foundation to exceptional web design.

Part 2 | Design

Things aren’t always #000000 and #FFFFFF. Web design is a living, breathing exercise. Begin this step by partnering with your client through brand development, design research and mood boarding. Develop the look and feel of the website by listening to your client and their needs and eventually iterating your way into web design gold.

Part 3 | Development

Code cleaner than a whistle. Now it’s time to merge design into development. Start by determining project specs: map out CMS initialization,  HTML / SCSS and JavaScript strategy and development, PHP backend development, content implementation, browser testing and so on. By sticking to the project specs and drafting squeaky clean code, your website development will begin to build itself.

Part 4 | Solution 

Virtual sanity. Mastering the handoff. This is the step that separates the good from the great. Distinguished agencies acknowledge the client handoff as more than just a formality: it is an opportunity to train, to support and to polish the website with last minute iterations and requests. As your client’s digital partner, it is critical to be just as attentive and communicative during this stage as any of the others.