-= Method Computer Technologies =-

Stages of the Web Design Process::

Method Computer Technologies divides the production of your web site into four stages: discovery, producing the prototype, building the beta version, and delivery of the final working version.

Discovery

Before any design work is begun, the client and designer consult (sometimes many times) to decide on the requirements of and direction for the site. Content, style, architecture, security, advanced technological features and promotion are determined. Materials are gathered. Ideas are bounced around. At the end of this stage, many parameters have been sketched out. Now is a good time to register a domain name and select a web hosting service.

Producing the Prototype

Using the materials and directions you've given, MCT will build a visual representation of the site architecture, or hierarchy. We also build at least one and sometimes more "mockups" of the design. It's easier for everyone to make changes to a mockup. Mockups and other "test" versions of the site are uploaded to the testing area of our server for you to view.

When the mockup has been adjusted, we build the prototype—a single web page that contains all the major elements of your site. If different styles are applied to different sections of your site, we'll build a separate prototype for each. At this stage, we do much of the SEO and other marketing work on the site. When you approve the prototype, we move to the next step.

Building the Beta Version

In the beta version, we apply your content, both graphic and textual material, to the prototype. We construct a beta version of every page that will exist in the final version. Navigational, search and technological features are created and will be functional in this version. In all ways this represents a "first" finished product. Corrections, additions and other tweaking is done, until the client is satisfied. This is the stage when any usability testing is usually performed; not all sites require testing.

Final Working Web Site

When the beta version is approved, we will upload the final site to your server or deliver it to you on disk. Generally, there is another short period of adjusting features and code to get everything working correctly. But at the end of this stage, you will have a stunningly designed, content-rich web site that is also easy to use and highly functional.

Still have questions? Contact us and we'll do our best to supply the answers.