The web design process is used for making user-friendly interfaces for desktop browsers, mobile browsers and tablet browsers as well. Appearance, layout, formatting and content, all of these factors are pivotal in giving a holistically amazing experience to a user.
Owing to the wide spectrum of steps and roles associated with this seemingly simple process of web design, it is generally a team of individuals with expertise in various skill sets.
Either the team is working on launching their own website or as a firm they do so for their client. Whether your client is in the house or some other firm you are catering to, or whatever the end goal might be, but the entire team works to give a great experience to the user, to try to engage him in an interactive way and to form positive feedback out of their experience.
So, without further ado, let’s explore and get to know about the 9 simple steps of web design process!
Study and understand your own or client’s requirement
You must have got a briefing about the requisites of the client. That is the bible for you so you need to do an in-depth study of it to be able to understand the actual problem statement, if we may say so. Begin with the end in mind and only then you can come up with various aspects that you need to invest your intellectual resources on. According to a Nielsen Norman Group study, thorough requirements gathering can reduce development costs by up to 50% by avoiding rework.
Research and define the mind map
Research through the client, industry and the user is the key to unlocking the next level of web design. Now that you understand what you need to work on, explore and research how you can work on it, in many different ways so that you come up with the best serving options which could also be cost-effective.
Do detailed research upon the areas such as target user’s age group, gender, ethnicity, nationality, linguistic preferences, further interests, etc. And then make mind maps cross-linking various aspects of your research.
Brainstorm and generate ideas with team
Brainstorming puts the rawest of the ideas on the table. Include all your team members and get thinking over each and everything! Layout, keywords, SEO strategies and all the options you need to weigh. Maintain a record of all your rough notes and concepts, for your present draft, which may make it to the final shortlist or other projects as well.
Sketch and design the wireframe or sitemap
Now get to work on how your website will actually look. Create a website wireframe with the balance between aesthetics and functions, using the web elements such as the call for action buttons, navigation tabs, widgets, etc. Design in such a manner that content doesn’t lose out and shows clearly to the user. Make each web page engaging for the user.
Optimized content and images
Sip that coffee and bring out the quality and organic content and images for the website. Explore across the industry and ask your client to provide you with maximum pointers that you can build on.
Collect all their sources of information like monthly newsletters, advertisements, press releases etc. Build your own portfolio for images or take a license to use those from other professional sources. Keep reviewing, taking feedback and most importantly, working out on timelines and toil to stick to them.
Develop website, conduct tests and trials
You need a lot of patience and great communication skills in this step to work on the actual coding of the website and also keep your client cool & updated on the status. This is inevitably the most time taking part of the entire process but the key is to keep your team stress free and your client informed on the progress of the project.
Launch and maintain the website
Finally, we have come to the last and most crucial stage of the web design process– launch! It is great to have a checklist handy for the big day so you won’t miss out on last-minute checks like licensing information, terms and conditions, image quality, copyright notice, social media profiles link, contact, email collection and more.
Post the launch, follow up with your client and update the necessary changes. Now that you are in the game, the website needs regular frequent checks and upkeep. To maintain the website for long term health, success and revenue.
Collect and analyze user feedback
Once your website is live, the work isn’t over. Implementing tools like Google Analytics or Hotjar can help you understand how users are interacting with your site. As Google Developers highlights, user-centric metrics are critical for ongoing optimization. Regular analysis of user behavior patterns helps identify areas of improvement and guides future updates.
Implement responsive maintenance and updates
Websites are living entities that require regular attention. This includes security updates, content refreshes, and design tweaks based on emerging trends. According to WordPress.org,
regular maintenance not only keeps your site secure but also ensures optimal performance across all devices and browsers.
Ensure effective inbuild SEO
Your site must be built keeping in mind the SEO aspects including the structure of the site, pages/ links, hierarchy, page design and layout besides inclusion of relevant title, meta description and heading for each page. A site without effective SEO might just be a piece of great work which is never seen by anyone.
Conclusion
In the end, we present to you a bonus point, the golden rule for catering to your client asking for a web design process, or for that matter, delivering your best to any requirement!
While designing, keep your client’s brand in mind and while reviewing, be your best critic and think from the user’s perspective. All geared up to design and launch your website soon? Go on, work on it and let us know how it is going in the comments section below! We’d love to hear from you.