The phases of a web design

When we face a web design project it is important to carry out a step-by-step methodology, in order to reach the established objectives.

Here we tell you what steps we take in the projects of our web design agency.

Phase 1. Briefing

To start the web design process well, communication between the client and the agency is essential. The information provided by the client will be crucial in order to establish the basis of the project and the most relevant data for the web design.

What is briefing

The briefing or brief is a document that establishes the basis of the project and the basic information for designing the website.

This document should contain information such as:

• Main objectives
• Information and description of the business.
• Mission, vision and values of the company.
• Language and geographic scope.
• Market and competitors.
• Domain or possible name suggestions.
• Deadlines.
• Observations and limitations.

At this stage, it is also important to establish what kind of website our client wants, as it will influence the rest of the phases discussed below.

We can find different types of websites such as:

• Corporate website
• Online catalogues
• Online shop or e-commerce
• Thematic blogs
• Forums
• Institutional websites

Phase 2. Analysis of the information

Once we have all the necessary information from the client, we will move on to the analysis phase. In this phase, we will take into account all the above-mentioned points in order to develop the strategy to be followed.

In order to develop the right web design, it will be necessary to take into account the strategies of competitors and within the sector itself.

Phase 3. Planning

Once we have analysed the information and set the objectives we wish to achieve, we will move on to the Planning phase.

In the Planning we establish the steps to reach the objectives and the different tasks to be carried out. It is essential to be clear about which department is responsible for each of the tasks and the appropriate coordination of all of them in order to achieve these objectives.

It is important that we define the sitemap so that we can work well on the web design and content of the website.

Another important factor to take into account will be the type of website our client wants and the technology we will use, but always with a tailor-made design.

In order to move on to the next phase, it will be necessary to meet with the client and evaluate the steps to follow and the material needed. It is essential that we can work on the web design based on the material provided by the client, such as images, texts and more.

Phase 4. Design and prototyping

During the design stage, we will establish the client's entire brand image, as well as the colours, typographies, iconography and styles. We will also create the logo, following the previously established style, if and when the client needs it.

To start the design process, it is important that we always create wireframes first, in order to fix the structure and layout of the elements on the website. During the whole process we must take into account the user experience and the interface, in order to create a responsive design. Thus adapting our web design to different devices.

Once the wireframes have been made and before the final design is made, different sample designs will be made so that the client can assess which style they feel most comfortable with.

For the presentation of the final design, mockups and other photomontages may be used to help to better preview the web design.

Phase 5. Web content

In the content phase, we focus on writing texts, but always taking into account the keywords and the type of audience. The content section includes not only texts but also other types of content such as images or videos.

It is important to communicate with the client at all times, as their collaboration will be essential for the incorporation of texts on the website.  

We cannot forget the legal texts, which are indispensable for the creation of a website. This type of text includes data protection, cookies and legal regulations.

Depending on the type of company, it will also be necessary to incorporate shipping and returns policy, cancellations, reservations and more.

Phase 6. Web development

Once the design is accepted by the client, it will go to programming in order to implement and develop the established web model. In this phase, the content management system (CMS) or programming languages necessary for the implementation of the web design will be chosen.

We can find different types of programming languages such as JavaScript, SQL or PHP.

Phase 7. Testing and launch

Once the web design process is finished, it is important that we carry out different technical tests to verify the correct functioning. Among the different tests we carry out, we analyse the functioning of the forms, navigation buttons, browser search and other functions.

Another of the checks we carry out is the compatibility of browsers and devices, as it is important that our website is displayed correctly in each of them.

Before publication, the website is reviewed internally, in order to incorporate the necessary tools for its analysis and parameterisation, such as the incorporation of Google Analytics. Other SEO-focused tasks are carried out in parallel, such as the generation of the sitemap, the incorporation of keywords, the definition of meta-tags and other technical tasks for online positioning in order to fine-tune the website.

All these quality tests allow us to check and correct errors, if necessary, before launching the website. Once everything is verified, we can publish the website.