When we approach the task of creating an interactive or web project for a client, the project is always approached in a specific, focussed way that suits the brief. However, each web project flows through a typical process which is split, roughly, into four seperate stages.
These stages are outlined below. Roll over the red squares to explore each stage in full.
Stage 1 - Planning
Stage One in any web/interactive project involves an intense period of creative brainstorming, client meetings and working in our notebooks as we quickly outline and explore creative concepts relating to the project at hand.
However, before we allow our creative streaks to really run wild, we sit down with the client and make sure we all have a really solid idea of the audience the client wants to reach (the WHO). We also establish the desired goal of the site (the WHY)...
Identifying the Audience
The first thing we do in an interactive/web project is identify the audience, this lets us get a picture of the users.
From here on in, the user is at the centre of our design process. We always keep this picture of the audience in our heads...
Establishing Desired Purpose
This stage involves us identifying the desired end result of the project.
Through talking to the client and examining the brief in detail, a rich description of the desired, finished result is created.
This allows us to work towards a well-defined goal, and allows us to begin planning our workflow and exploring creative concepts.
Initial Creative Concepts
This preliminary stage involves us brainstorming and generating creative concepts about how we can achieve the desired results.
Interaction ideas, preliminary ideas about "look and feel", functionality and site structure are all explored in this early stage.
Creating a Site Structure
Creating a site structure allows us to have an overview of the site and consider navigation and interaction issues, and enables us to see the "big picture".
We also create a project timeline which allows us to set milestones towards the completion of the project.
Initial Technical Considerations
This stage follows on from the creative concepts and involves deciding what technologies are best to implement to execute the creative concepts.
At this point we also look at our ideas for navigation and interaction, and we consider how we can bring these ideas to life from a technical standpoint.
Stage 2 - Creative Development
At Stage Two in a web/interactive project, we refine and finalize the overall shape and structure of the site, and we develop a visual and conceptual language which we will use throughout the site.
As always, the client has the opportunity to feed back to us at each stage. Together, we develop a look and feel, tone of voice and overall mood for the site. This is the stage in which our ideas begin to come to life.
Finalizing Site Structure
It is essential to finalize the site structure before we begin building the site and its components. We work alongside the client to make sure we have a solid plan for the site structure that everyone agrees will allow the site to fulfill it's purpose.
We also "wireframe" all the pages, so we know exactly what each will consist of.
Creating Colour Palettes
At this stage, we consider the all-important aspect of colour.
Colour has a huge impact on look and feel, so we take care to come up with a palette that not only works in harmony with the site's purpose, but that reflects the client's branding.
Page Designs
Having already created page wireframes and an over-arching site structure plan, we then begin to visually design each page.
Through this process, we arrive at a distinct aesthetic style, and we develop various visual elements that form consistent themes throughout the site.
Initital Prototyping
It is at this stage in the process that we can begin testing our ideas for interactivity throughout the site, by prototyping some creative interface and interaction ideas.
These later solidify and grow from interactive ideas, to fully working interactive frameworks.
Creative Treatments
Having already begun developing a visual language through our page designs, at this stage we begin to visually treat some of the sites common elements.
This allows us to further "pin down" a detailed, consistent visual treatment. At this stage, we have a very detailed, solid idea of the character and shape of the site we are working on
Stage 3 - Production
Stage Three sees all of our ideas come together to form a coherent, consistent whole. At this point we have polished and solidified all of our concepts into a very detailed, well specified plan of action.
With creative flair and no small amount of hard work, the site is created.
Asset Creation - Illustration
A heavily interactive and content-rich site can contain a large amount of elements that need to be designed and created.
Illustration can form a large part of this. Elements to be later incorporated into the site, it's interfaces (eg. games) and animations are carefully created at this point.
Asset Creation - Interaction
Highly immersive interactive elements can form very signifigant portions of some sites.
Following on from our initial prototypes, we build and populate fully functioning interfaces to be later dropped into the site structure.
Site Build
In this stage we bring together all the assets we have created, and build the site pages up according to the site structure we developed.
Throughout this stage, we make sure we keep accessibility a priority. We also build up the site according to the latest web standards and compliances.
TestingStage 4 - Delivery
With the site fully built and tested, and with all our concepts skillfully implemented, we can launch the site on time and on-spec!
You can visit the final product of this particular development process at npower Orb World.
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