We often get asked as a design agency that practices website design to explain our web design process. As a creative agency we have existed almost as long as website design has been been a ‘thing’. During this time we’ve fine-tuned our way of working to ensure we can deliver the best possible results for our clients. The most recent version of our website design process has six key stages.
Research & Investigation
We always like to get a thorough understanding of the business we’re working with. We will want to know the goals of the business and to understand the target audience and competition. As we’re a third party and not directly involved with the business our perspective can be very useful. We will ask questions from the position of an interested party. Often this will uncover gaps in the information that is being provided and mitigate assumptions.
User Experience Design (UX)
User experience could be also be defined as information architecture. We strive to create a truly satisfying experience for any given user of the website. Inevitably a user of a website will be looking for information of some sort. Therefore we will look to ensure that the user leaves the website having been able to find whatever they were looking for. Additionally they should feel that the process of finding this information has been efficient. Moreover the user experience will reflect on the brand and enhance its credibility and value.
User Interface Design (UI)
Within website design the user interface could be described as the look and feel. It includes the design of the elements that facilitate interaction with the functionality. Elements such as the navigation, buttons and the presentation of information. As familiarity with website design has grown the placement of some elements has become almost set in stone. Whilst it can be useful to occasionally break conventions this must be balanced with a desire to be intuitive.
Art Direction
This is where our branding expertise comes into play. Websites are only a part of the overall communication strategy however they may be the first point of contact. The customer’s journey could begin here. Additionally the website design could provide the all important first impression of the organisation. Skilled art direction will ensure the website design enhances the overall brand experience.
Website Development
This stage of the process is where our digital architects come to the fore. Years of experience building websites and digital experiences have resulted in a substantial set of skills. This detailed understanding of website development provides real added value to our projects. Our clients find our websites not just visually stunning but also easy to manage.
Testing and Optimisation
Designing websites today means taking into account various different screen sizes and orientation. Testing and fine-tuning the layout is a critical stage in the web design process. Additionally, we can to optimise a website for speed and search engine performance.
If you’re searching for a highly experienced, intelligent and responsive website design team you’re in the right place. We’d love to hear from you, please get in touch.
