Identifying Scope

Identifying the scope and purpose of a website is a critical step in the design and development process. Objectives that are clearly defined at the beginning of a project will ultimately result in a well implemented and successful website.

Objectives

What are the objectives of the project: Establishing identity, Access to information, direct sales, corporate communications . . . ?

Target Audience

Who are the primary, secondary . . . target audiences? what are their interests, abilities, age, gender etc? What information is to be collected? How do you want to communicate with them?

Marketing Strategy

Do you have a branding strategy? What is the most important message to be delivered? What media do you plan to use for marketing? How do you plan to market the website? Does your website need to be optimized for search engines?

Description of Content

What kind of text information is to be provided on the site? What kinds of imagery? Have you created an inventory of content? How will the content be organized into pages on the website (information architecture)?

Information that needs to be updated

What information needs to be updated on a regular basis (Daily News, Notices, etc.)?

Information that needs to be collected and databased

Do you want visitors to provide information through online forms? Will you provide a Client Intranet? Do you need to provide the facility for content editors to post information directly to the website?

Amusements / Animations / Games

Will you provide entertainment to visitors such as quizzes, randomized facts, opening Flash animation?

Look and Feel

How do you want the site to look? How do you want the information to be displayed? How will the navigation work? What sites can you provide as examples?

Hosting Requirements

Do you want to continue with your current Web hosting service or do you require a new provider? Do you need to acquire any domain names?

Website Monitoring and Tracking

How will you determine if your website is meeting its objectives. Do you need to track customers or visitors to the website?

Timeframe / Budget

Is there a fixed completion date? Do you have a clear understanding of the costs associated with different aspects of the design and development process?