Web Site Development

Here's how DiCianni Graphics gets the job done.

Strategic Phase Description
The Strategic Planning phase answers several questions such as: Why have a website? What are the business objectives? How does the website strategy fit with the overall business strategy? The Creative Work Plan will help answer these and other pertinent questions, setting the tone for the entire site.

Site Map & Section Outlines
This is where we decide what kind of content and features we'll build into the site. Working individually, at first, and then as a team, we'll generate a complete site map that defines the hierarchy of content. We will also create section outlines which are summaries of everything that will be communicated in each section of the website.

Estimate for Design and Production
After the Strategic Phase, we will generate an estimate with several options. We will suggest a bare minimum site that will meet the stated marketing objectives; then we will also offer optional features which would enhance the online presence. We may even suggest a direct mail program to drive eyeballs to the site.

Strategic Planning Presentation
At this stage, we'll present a complete outline of the overall plan along with the design and production estimates.

Creative Development
At this point, we'll develop the basic creative concept for the site, as well as rough page layouts. By keeping things rough at this point, we can spend more time on creativity and less time doing comps that might be rejected. Also, roughs invite clients to freely participate in the creative process.

Design Concepts
We will produce three different concepts for the client's home page, as well as a sample first page for one of the content sections. At this point, the client can make any necessary changes, and we can provide some final input before starting the actual site development. After choosing a look and feel for the home page and content sections, we will provide a timetable for production of the actual site, as well as a final site map. Any client changes after this point may require a new estimate for additional work caused by a change in direction.

Creative Development Presentation
At this stage, we will present comps of the home page and the first page of each content section.

Scheduling
At the Creative Development Presentation, we will provide a timeline which will outline who will be responsible for each part of each task that needs to be completed. The timeline will detail every major step in the development process, and help everyone understand exactly what's needed every step of the way. It will also stipulate when each page or section will be available for the client to view or approve, as well as when the client's approvals or requests for changes are due. The client will get a hard copy of the timeline, and an updated version will always be available to view on the Project Management Site.

Content Delivery Chart
The Content Delivery Chart will show specific items that the client needs to provide, along with due dates. In addition an internal Content Delivery Chart will be created for items that we need to acquire for the project.

Timeline Presentation
At this point, we will present the completed timeline to the client for review. Once changes have been made, the project will move onto the Technical Development/Production phase.

Technical Development/Production
This phase includes development, production and testing. After we have completed this step, the client should be completely satisfied that the site is working properly.

Production and Engineering
This is the process of actually building the site. At each step, we will test and retest the site to make sure it meets all current technological standards, as well as the objectives that the client has laid out for us.

Alpha Testing
At this point, we will test the site for compatibility with all major browsers and operating systems. Any issues raised here will be addressed, then the site will be ready for beta testing.

Beta Testing
During this phase of the project, the client will navigate the site, testing all of its features. At the same time, our development team will check the site to make sure that it is functioning properly.

Implementation
This is where we develop a strategy for launching the site. First, we need to implement any creative marketing programs that will be done to announce and drive traffic to the site. We will also need to register the site with various search engines. In addition, the actual launch will be done in a way that ensures a smooth transition from the development box to the actual server.

Go Live Date
We will post the site at least a full day before the final launch date, leaving time for any final troubleshooting. Once everyone is satisfied with the site, it will go live.

Follow-Up
The WebExperts™ at DiCianni Graphics will always be there for you in the days, weeks and months following the launch of your site. Whatever you need, whenever you need it, we'll be there to help.