The Internet has become richer and richer in the past few years, the number of online presences increasing at a fabulous ratio and this growth seems to be enjoyed by the majority of the web designers. All this affluence of new websites is indeed very good news for people involved in the online medium but on the other hand the harsh competition is purely a fantastic source of pressure. Creating a website, something which was considered some years ago a task for kids and nephews, is nowadays a huge industry where serious amounts of money are introduced. Under these circumstances, it is pretty easy to understand that the work of a web designer is different from what the adepts of old mentalities still believe. Much more, until the moment when the designer is at his desk, ready to create a qualitative website, an entire algorithm has to be completed. It varies from designer to designer and here is created one that takes the best from all; it contains mandatory steps which can’t be neglected but also are some that could be compressed and in some extreme situations skipped. The correct layout doesn’t mean that already the new website is a real success, it only ensures a good context and a reasonable start. Instead, this means that the work and the many hours in front of the computer aren’t replaced. 1. Study the history of the client This plan starts from the point where a web designer is contacted by no matter which client or through any means of contact. Once he receives a message, the first thought should be to check on the Internet who the respective client is. The more complete this research will be, the more time is saved in case the project is gained. Definitely, the availability of the designer is vital here, but supposing that the answer is affirmative the next step comes into place. 2. The initial dialogue with the client Our planet has been transformed by the Internet into a small entity and it’s quite possible to meet situations where a client from the Northern hemisphere may work for a client from the other one. No matter the geographical position, we should all accept the existence and the benefits of outsourcing. Consequently, overcoming any obstacle, the designer must speak with the client, via Skype, on the phone or face-to-face (most preferable), this dialogue is vital. First of all, it is better to establish clearly, both the designer and client should be franc and agree that the first one is available and ready to finish the project and the last one is okay with it and in the end (and/or upfront) he will pay the required price. These details are best kept and stipulated into a written agreement but there are enough cases when a mutual understanding is enough. Second, it should specify the details of the website as the client’s field of activity, its purpose, if it’s about a redesign or a whole new one, his preferences, if there is a previous logo etc. Third, a web designer should know if he must slice the layout in HTML and CSS or a developer will be hired. Clients who respect themselves must hire a SEO specialist in order to make the website friendlier to search engines and even a content writer to write quality text. Last, but not least, it is highly recommended to establish clear and decent deadlines, usually the clients come to designers in the morning and ask for the first sketch around mid-day but a professional web designer must decline these balderdashes. 3. A complete study of the client This step supposes a larger research about the client who is at the first attempt. Here, his field of activity must be established, the particularities and the best points, the competitors and so on. A capital importance has the branding strategy; you should find out if it was based on a previous website or they had a logo promoted. A modern web designer must also be a good marketer and this step really highlights this feature. Apparently, these steps are not very important, a practical individual will remark that there isn’t barely a sketch or any attempt to make a file which is true but here the foundation of the website is created. Any error made here means a huge volume of work wasted; hence don’t panic and try to solve these steps in a few minutes. 4. Break This break is considered a fade for some but it’s highly recommended to take it because in this way the brain has time to “breathe”. Its existence and the duration strictly depend on each project and client. 5. First sketches – mandatory pen and paper Finally, really back to the desk! By following this step the web designer create the firsts sketches, usually on paper because by using it, the imagination seems to be fabulously stimulated and the project doesn’t take into account the apparent limitations of the software. Beside that, any correction is easier to do; you only need an eraser. There are only two pieces of advice: be inspired and work hard! 6. Presentation to the client This is another almost optional step, usually the clients don’t have enough time/don’t want to check some papers, they need the website, sooner, the better! Anyway, here is the moment of fine tuning where the web designer got the OK of the client. In the unwanted case that the client simply doesn’t like the sketches, the designer starts again from step four or five. 7. Effective working The existence of this step means that the client likes the sketches and the designer does effectively the transformation of the concept into a digital file. According to the skills and the inspiration of the designer it could take some days or even more, but the deadline and the stipulations from agreement are taken into account and are capital. 8. Congratulations/fine tuning/try again The last point creates three scenarios:
- The client is satisfied with the creation of the designer and everything is okay
- The client is content with the layout but small modifications are needed, nothing more
- The client doesn’t like it and simply wants another concept, there are a lot of debates and each situation needs an individual judgment.
Now, by reading this post, it is obvious that creating a layout, a quality one isn’t so easy as it’s believed by people and it’s better both for designer and client to be patient and tolerant with each other.
Author Bio
Lief is one of the creative designers at Design Article Writers, he love to play with tools commonly useful for designers and media lovers. You’ll find him playing with Photoshop, Youtube and Youtube to mp3 in his free time.