Incidentally, have you ever watched the life cycle of a butterfly? It consists of several stages that include the tiny egg and the worm-like touch-me-not larva which eventually turns into an angel-like butterfly. Well; website development also includes many phases till a fully functional and attractive site comes into life. However, it does not consist of larva or the egg but comprises Planning, Analysis, Design & Development, Testing, Implementation and of course, Maintenance.
Website Planning
Web site planning involves several issues, the most important of them being its purpose. In other words, who will benefit through its use. This may include the target audience – the age group, gender, their computer literacy percentage and perhaps demography. Distinctive information on these will help the designer to design the site appropriately. Needless to say, all the relevant information, as mentioned above, needs to be provided by the prospective owner of the web site. Alternatively, the designer may choose to visit similar web sites before selecting the appropriate design for new web site.
Website Analysis
Website Analysis involves going through its content while giving it the right shape. For instance, the features of a site detailing the robotic structure of brain surgery will be totally different from one dealing in dancing shoes. The former may include infographics while the latter is likely to feature cherry blossoms.
Website Design & Development
This is one of the most crucial parts involving the lifecycle of a website. It includes the following.
- Selecting appropriate Titles that would state the basic purpose behind the creation of the site
- Using right Heading that would clarify each topic
- Using horizontal rules for separating different topics or subjects, where necessary
- Using paragraphs to cut the monotony in the text
- Incorporating bullets, as a result of which information gets priority over lengthy sentences
- Maintaining suitable web page length for better readability
- Giving top priority on providing information
- Providing contact address is very important for all websites
Website Layouts
Website designs follow several types of layouts such as Linear, Hierarchical as well as Webbed. However, each of these connects or links the web pages following different structures to define how users can navigate through the site and view the web pages conveniently.For instance, a Linear Website Layout usually connects web pages in a straight line. This proves ideal where the information on the web pages are to be read in a particular or specific order. A Hierarchical Website Layout, on the other hand resembles the structure of a family tree. This type of layout suits well for a site that is provided with an index or a Table of Contents through which links can be established to all the web pages. A Webbed website Layout, incidentally, does not follow any set pattern or structure. This type of layout works fine on websites that provides sundry information that can be read from any page and so have multiple navigational options.However, most websites follow a combination of all the above layouts because it often helps users navigate through the site easily and comfortably.
Website Testing
Websites are tested during the Website design and development phases on a regular basis. This includes review of the content as well as functionality and usability. Here are some of the basic steps that are needed to test content and functionality:
- Reviewing for accurate spelling and proofreading content , including page titles.
- Checking links to ensure that they are not broken and are linked correctly
- Checking graphics to confirm they display properly and are linked correctly
- Testing forms and other interactive page elements
- Testing pages to check for speed of loading on lower speed connection
- Printing each page to check how page s print
- Testing each Web in several different browser types and versions to verify they display correctly
Website Implementation and Maintenance
Once the Web site testing is over and everything is found ship shape, the Web site can be implemented. Implementation of a Web site means publishing the Web site or uploading it into a Web server. However, after it has been implemented successfully, its maintenance will include updating the information content by removing the outdated one and replacing it with current issuesPeriodical checking of the links is also necessary to ensure that they are still active. Nevertheless, Website monitoring is another key aspect of maintenance. Usually, the Web servers that host the Web sites keep logs about Web site usage. This helps you determine the number of visitor that have visited the site as well as the browser types and versions they have used.
Bottom Line
Behind every successful website, there are people who toil 24 x 7 x 365 to produce such an unique site that attract visitors who are impressed by what the site wants to tell, how it is told and are finally converted to permanent customers.