Website Process

The purpose of this page is to illustrate the build process (see below) we employ when creating a website. There are many ways to build a website, from do-it-yourself to sky-is-the-limit varieties. But regardless of budget or site architecture, once a strategic marketing platform is in place, a defined development framework helps drive the design-build process.

We created ThomasBoston's first website in 1996, and have since implemented several styles and formats, HTML to Flash for ThomasBoston and client sites. While it looked like Flash (animated) sites might become the standard, best practices website development
has come full circle, then up a notch: less is more; communication flow is rapid, scan-able, search-able, fast-to-load, and complete.

Today we base our website development process around brand-driven design.
It provides users with content they need and easy-to-use navigation that's required. In
addition, visual cues create the proper level of 'drama' to help visitors connect with and
recall brand dynamics and values - even if they only scan a site without reading. This
helps visitors find what they need and expect; also what they need and might
not be able to express, such as how to order a custom-decorated cake.

Design is more than the outward look of a site. It's an organic process that connects the brand and its values to customers, helping to secure understanding, much like natural design connects us to a better sense of the world around us. It's how all elements - navigation, brand & product images, and content/storyline - integrate to create a credible Brand 'story,' and a satisfying user experience. And proper design has a measurable return.

Below is an overview, albeit somewhat simplistic, of how the website creation, design and development process works, as was implemented for Quebrada Baking Co. by ThomasBoston Advertising and Newfangled, its web development partner. At this juncture I've not addressed Web 2.0 features, but many options are available, blogs to social media - please inquire.

All tactics below have been proceeded by listening and brainstorming sessions wherein we formally defined site objectives, and articulated the bakery's core brand values & position. Armed with this understanding, and wearing my 'marketing director hat,' I created a strategic communication platform upon which all tactics - design, navigation, content, etc. - are founded.

Step 1. Develop prototype: navigation plan "Gray Screen." After a "wireframe" (paper plan) navigation outline has been sketched, we apply it to a functional online prototype - before we even consider site graphics, design or content. The prototype enables click-through to each page and helps us envision and evaluate information flow, accessibility, and completeness. What looks good on paper can be different in practice. Page and navigation structure impacts page design, as well as image and copy/content planning, so this step saves considerable time and expense throughout the creation and development process.
>To Step 2: "Mood Boards"