Understanding the design process
In larger projects this process is also shown as a staged release of the site, as each stage of the process is complete.
Here is an example of the process.
Proposal Document
This is a written document outlining the expectations of the project and how those expectation will be resolved and the costs involved.
It is based on face to face meetings with the client and can contain a mock up of the look and feel of the proposed website.
Payment of deposited
This payment is to signify that the client approves the proposal and wants to proceed with the project as proposed. You should not make this payment until an agreement has been made.
Wire diagram
This is a diagram illustrating where and how information and navigation will be placed on the pages of the website. It acts as a template for the designer to work with. It is followed by a release payment on larger projects to establish a point of agreement to move to the next stage.
Prototype
This is where the developers start building the website. It is where the work starts and where there needs to be some flexibility, It is important that you should all be of one mind by this stage.
There will be things that still need to change which is the nature of a prototype. But the look and feel by the most part should be locked down.
Testing
This is when the site is tested on the range of browsers and platforms agreed in the proposal. It is the nature of the web that different browser and browser versions will interpret your site is different ways. If you are using more cutting-edge design elements they will not work on browser versions created prior to the creation of that element.
An understanding of the users that will be using the site will be important to establish which environments you need to test for. This will also include mobile devices, and browser versions.