The Process
First thing, we do is talk with a client to find out what their objectives are for their web site. We do an analysis to find out who their consumers are. We determine what kind of market the client is dealing with. We ask for their company vision. Ask them about where they see themselves in the next 6 months, the next year, and the next 5 years.
We discuss accessibility issues, and the use of technology for their web site., and their comfort level for its use. We also discuss with them their needs with regards to artwork and photographs, branding, and logos for the web site.
To ascertain layout needs, we look at the information that is going to be communicated from the site. we also give clients PowerPoint presentations, with several different kinds of web site. looks, for the client to choose a layout design they like (not necessarily color or graphic content that these sites have).
The next step is to do an analysis of the structure of the site, or in the case of a new site, building a tentative structure for the site. The first draft is normally a text only version with the picture sections marked.
One of the things we discuss is that consumers make judgments early in the process in as little as a 1/64th of a second. First impressions are critical. If a person looks at a page,then looks away--what is remembered? A consumer browsing may click on the page, move on,but if your message is clear, they may remember and come back.
Some of the most successful sites are not necessarily the most beautiful masterpieces, but what they all have in common is that their message is very clear.
There are two parts to the communication process: what the client wants the consumer to know and what the consumer wants to find out. These two objectives can be in conflict, and the way a page is set up can guide expectations and leave lasting impressions on the consumer, either in a favorable or negative light.