1. It starts with research
The first thing we do is study the competition. We find out what makes the competition's web sites work and what we can do better. We then diliberate over and come up with clear objectives that must be met through the web site.
2. Mapping it out into gray blocks
The creative process, more often than not, begins with a site map. The site map shows the overall organization of the site and the inter- relationship between different areas. With the site map done, we develop simple schematics (aka wireframes) that let us inexpensively explore how pages or online experiences can lay out. Wireframes show the types of information that should be displayed on a page and the relative hierarchy or importance of that information.
3. Then we like to test
It makes sense to perform usability testing and/or focus group testing early in the process,
before the design goes too far down the road. Using paper prototypes or simple interactive
prototypes we can see how people will interact with the interface and adjust as necessary. Some basic questions we try to answer at this stage: Do visitors to the site understand where they need to go to get what they want? Is the information displayed where they expect to find it?
4. Next we design
This is the fun part. The design phase is when all the ideas spring to life. Once we’ve settled on the basic layout via wireframe and test it, our designers take over. Our design team is free to interpret the layout so long as they adhere to the parameters outlined in our creative brief. The creative brief distills the most important information (e.g. audience, objectives, tone, etc.) into a short explanation of design bjectives. It’s a critical element that keeps everyone on target with the end goal.
5. And we build it
The creative team is responsible for the coding and delivery of html. This ensures that our beautiful design work remains true to the original concept. We work with our QA specialists to make sure our code and presentation layer are air-tight and then we typically add the content.