Proactive
Technology Solutions
uses
a proven phased approach to Web design based on our experience in Website
design and project management. Our approach reduces the chance of "scope
creep," in which unscheduled additions or changes during site design
add mounting costs and time to successful project launch. We ensure your
Website design project meets your needs as well as those of your customer
while remaining within budget and on schedule
Phase 1: Site Definition
The goal of this phase is to define the scope of the project. Specifically,
it is to establish the goals of your Website using a series of tools and
discussions that allow PTS to gain an understanding of the audience, Website
opportunities, and the site's overall vision. This phase is the initial
and essential process of visioning, drawing on lessons learned from similar
sites. Tasks include client survey, formal or informal competitive analysis,
creative brief, content/milestone schedule, and staging site
Phase
2: Developing Site Structure
Site
structure equates to the hierarchy, or architecture, of the site-both
from a user's perspective and from the actual file relationship structure.
Developing site structure creates the backbone of your Website, and is
the map we will refer to throughout site development. At this stage we
define web site map/flowchart, naming conventions, wireframes (laying
out content placeholders in a non-design oriented schemata), and interaction
(user tasks)
Phase
3: Interface Design and Production
Once the site map and navigation overview are
complete, interface design and production begin. The site begins to take
on its online shape with the development of graphics, navigation bars,
and page layout. Visual design alternatives, visual design final, and
page templates are created. Decisions on use of style sheets and templates
define containers into which content can be added
Technical engineering entails the creation of the Website based on the site map, wireframing, and chosen visual design agreed upon in prior phases of the project. All aspects of site design are addressed here, including graphics optimization, HTML coding and JavaScript for DHTML. Coding for forms and other server-side scripting for dynamic site creation is also done during this phase. This stage concludes with beta launch on a staging site where Website is checked online in a pre production environment and subject to internal quality assessments while checking for browser and platform compatibility and optimization for download speed
Phase 5: Publishing
When full review and related updates have been completed, the Meta tags (titles, search tags, etc.) are added and the site is "published" to the Web. PTS does not host Websites, but does arrange hosting services. We will help guide you in your selection of an appropriate hosting plan. During this phase we will also agree upon a Website maintenance plan. The creation of archives and backup files is covered. A post-production web guide is also provide
Phase 6: Site Maintenance
Keeping your site fresh, up-to-date, and compatible with changing technology is essential. Proactive Technology Solutions therefore strongly suggests 6-12 months of additional maintenance and regular updates, including minor special promotions, event and press/news releases, updates to seasonal product availability, etc.
PTS's phased approach to Website design and implementation is not about tricks or gadgets or the latest Flash animation-it's about a Website that works for you: reflecting your organization's image and achieving its stated objectives. It's about helping users to where they need to be, about bringing them back again and again
