Web Design and Development (WD&D) Cycle

Analysis
The focus is on conducting a complete analysis so that a clear set of requirements can be developed.  The process requires a thorough understanding of:

• The goals you want to achieve using your Web site;

• Your users and how they will be using your Web site;

• Your measurable criteria for Web site success – number of visitors, time spent on a visited page, etc.;

• Any constraints.

Design
Find an efficient way to organize the navigation and content so that the users can access the information quickly and painlessly.  It includes two basic phases:

• Navigation design – build navigation flowchart showing the navigational paths;

• Content design – create the content and categorize it into different content types.

Implementation
This is the point at which the pieces we have gathered, analyzed and designed are written in a series of computer commands necessary for the Web site to be physically built and published.  This part involves significant programming effort.  It includes:

• Create layout, templates, menus, buttons, etc.;

• Tables, text, pictures, etc.;

• Create server and client-side programs;

• Plug-ins and ActiveX controls to insert interactive functionality.

Testing
Tests are performed to ensure that the Web site meets the initial requirements.  The following checks are performed:

• Load time and image optimization;

• Dead link test;

• Spell check;

• Browser compatibility check.

Launching
Once the site has been created and tested successfully, the site files are uploaded to a Web server.  The visitor can then access your Web site from any Internet connected computer using their Web browser.

Registration
After the Web site is completed, it is registered with search engines and directories such as Yahoo, AltaVista, Google, Lycos, etc. so potential clients can find its address when they search on a specific keyword or phrase.

Performance Analysis
Performance diagnostics are run on the entire Web site.  Analysis of your Web site traffic is performed.  Statistics are used to modify and enhance the site.

Maintenance and Upgrades
Web sites can be thought of as “living entities” that require maintenance.  Your business is a part of dynamic environment.  Your Web site reflects those changes.