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The Web Development Process:

Written on the 20 of August, 2009, by Bree Davies

For most clients who come to us, the process of developing a website is as foreign to them as travelling to the outer reaches of Siberia.

Regardless of the size of a site, the entire development process follows a very structured cycle – and this cycle ensures the client is always aware of how the finished product will look and behave, and we can make sure the project stays within the agreed scope and estimate.

During the whole project cycle, the site will pretty much pass through the hands of everyone in our office – from the Information Architect to Design Project Manager, Web Developers and Financial Controllers – it’s very much a team effort.

Here’s a small insight into the web development cycle.

Step One – The Site Map

The first step is confirming the site map (which we prepare for clients when we put together our estimate). Once the site map is approved, it forms the scope for the project and any diversions/additions incur additional costs and could compromise the agreed timeline. Once we receive the approved site map, I put together a proposed project timeline, milestones, deadlines for content and approvals, and finally, a proposed launch date.

Step Two – The Wireframe

Once the site map is approved, we move onto the wire-framing stage. This is where our Information Architect creates a ‘blueprint’ for the site, taking into consideration site objectives and conversion optimisation techniques. We start a home page layout, as the rest of the site will follow a similar template (very important for usability). This stage is not indicative of design at all, it’s just a blueprint which will lay out the different areas of the page and the different functionalities.

Step Three – The Design

Next is web design, where we take your brand into the digital realm! We’ll design the home page first, and make sure you’re happy with the visual concept before applying the design to some of the internal pages.

Step Four – The Planning

While the wire-framing and design are in progress, the developers will do the technical planning for the website and set up the Symphony CMS (content management system). I’m also in touch quite early on to discuss a few technical bits such as domain name logins and hosting information (if you don’t host your website with us) and most importantly – website content and images (as this is the number one reason the launch of a website is delayed). I’ll give you a deadline as to when we’ll need remaining content by in order to confirm the agreed launch date. 

Step Five – The Build

Once the design is approved, it’s all about web development – actually building the site. Once development is nearly complete I can begin integrating content into the site, and also start cross browser and quality testing (which is basically making sure everything works and looks as it is meant to, and you have received everything we promised in the site map).

Step Six – The Review

Once content integration and testing are complete, I’ll send you the development url, where you can view the site. Here is when you advise me of any copy/basic amends you would like to make before we launch the site. During this time, we’ll be doing the search engine optimisation for the site. 

Step Seven – The Launch

Finally, we launch the site! Once the site is live, we produce the training videos, so you can manage the site yourselves through the CMS system.

Step Eight – The Evaluation

The work doesn’t stop once the website is live. As we install Google Analytics on all our sites, we give you the tools to evaluate your website with reports available on traffic, unique visitors, goal conversions (which tracks completion of your key site objectives, such as purchases or application form submission). At this stage we can also help drive traffic to your site via various internet marketing strategies such as Adword campaigns (or Pay Per Click advertising.)

Seems so simple doesn’t it?! Of course there is much more to it – but I wouldn’t want to bore you with CSS exception rules and use cases (maybe next blog). Hopefully you’ll feel a little more knowledgeable about the development cycle the first time (or the next time) you consider commissioning a website.

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2 Comments

#1. Written on 21 August 2009 by Dominic Bou-Samra

Interesting. Why do you guys use Symphony? What particular reasons make it better then other CMS frameworks?

#2. Written on 21 August 2009 by Bree Davies

We use Symphony for several reasons – probably enough for another blog post! But in short, the top 5 reasons would be:

  1. It’s powerful yet flexible – you can use it for whatever you want
  2. Uses web standards
  3. It’s open source (no charge to use it)
  4. Has a clean, intuitive interface and is easy for clients (and us!) to use
  5. Small but active and passionate community.

For more info about Symphony, check out their website

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Bree Davies
Digital Project Manager

As R&B’s Digital Project Manager, Bree Davies brings experience working for some of Australia’s most high profile organisations including Morrison Media, Endemol Southern Star and the Virgin Blue Group.