Design Process

Screen and Page Dynamics

Screen, frame and page behaviors are determined early on in the design process. A common page or frame effect is often used throughout the site for function and visual consistency.

Page Formats:
Fixed- position pages maintain their size ratio when the browser window is resized, whereas expandable pages resize to fill the maximum browser width.

Frame Formats:
In non-framed designs the entire page scrolls to reveal information below the initial screen. With framed pages, scrolling occurs only in the defined frame areas.

Development Steps For A Typical Site Design
	Work with client to identify goals and compile material for the web site.
Meet with the client to discuss their target market and goals for the site. Collect resources for development.
	Develop structural models for the site and present sample web designs for client approval.
Demonstrate a proposed layout to the client, mapping key content areas. The structure model is presented on printed tabloid pages. Sample designs are presented from the web, or via CDROM and video.
	Define screen and frame dynamics* and design page structures for all content areas of the site.
Establish a general page format and behavior style for site content. The browsing capability of intended viewers is often a factor, especially where screen resolution is concerned.
	Design button styles, icons, masthead graphics including use of logo and other symbols.
Develop graphic metaphors for navigation, page and section identity, topical mastheads, etc. Includes preparation of scanned images, photographs, videos and other media.
	Design finished page sets and hypertext cross-links for all content areas of the site.
Integrate page structures, written and printed material, navigation elements, graphics, photos and multimedia. Design and implement required database structures. Develop and test programmed controls for user interaction and data processing. Create and analyze all internal and external hyperlinks.
	Submit the completed site design for client for review, final proof and content editing.
Meet with client to present and review completed site. Process any necessary changes to content and/or design. Perform final spell-check and migrate optimized directories to the domain location on the web server.
	Design/test controls for robot indexing and search engine visibility. Publish the new site address for www access.
Prepare site and doorway pages to influence web robots and to control display on major search engines. Resolve the sites domain name to the new server location.