Processes evolve. Methodology expands or becomes more streamlined, depending on the case or cause. From the start of the internet to its evolution through the dot-gone era into the new “prove it” economy, we have seen the approach to web design and web services streamlined down to the essentials. There are keys to a successful redesign items that should remain high in priority while considering approach, development, and launch of a new or redesigned site. Consider the following:
TIP 1
FOCUS ON YOUR AUDIENCE
A successful user experience continues to be the main reason people return to a company or website. One bad experience and your customer is lost. (Harsh, but true. Ask your customers!) Your company’s brand value is established by the experience, positive or negative. By focusing on your audience, you are building your credibility and value proposition through successful interaction.
TIP 2
SET MEASURABLE GOALS
Sites often launch or relaunch with loose or no measurable goals in place. Aim to have specific, targeted goals in place for each launch or relaunch, including iterative refreshes. And instead of a full site redesign, focus on specific areas of your site and iterate toward your long-term goals. Clear benchmarks are necessary to determine design success. Invest in tracking and survey software for qualitative details.
TIP 6
CLEARLY DEFINE YOUR TECHNICAL GOALS
For sites with complex functionality, integrating a separate and parallel workflow is necessary. Have a clear understanding of what you are doing and assign the right team to the effort.
TIP 7
KEEP SITE MAINTENANCE IN MIND
Many sites are developed by people who don’t work with the site after launch and often have little sense of to how the content will change on a regular basis, or who will change it. Have the right design/coding resources ready for regular updating. Arm maintenance with the appropriate skills. Ensure fluidity of growth.
REDESIGN TOWARD WEB STANDARDS
Efforts to establish browser standards and incorporate style sheets are finally being followed. Smart design in this new generation of websites means streamlining code and separating content from presentation to achieve greater flexibility and updating ease.
TIP 4
CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN PROCESS
Every project and situation requires its own level of customization. Use this book as a springboard: Take the tips, tools, and methodologies in this book and develop your company or team’s own process for designing and developing web initiatives.
TIP 5
ESTABLISH A METHOD OF CONTENT CREATION AND DELIVERY
Content will always be late! Factor it in determine a structured method of content creation and delivery. By operating in a proactive, organized manner, you can help your copywriter (or yourself) set reasonable goals and keep to the proposed schedule.
TIP 8
BELIEVE IN USABILITY TESTING
One-on-one testing with actual site visitors is still the best way to gather relevant data and real-world input. Conducting usability tests informally throughout a redesign and on an ongoing basis ensures proper feedback and allows you to adjust accordingly for a more successful user experience.
TIP 9
DON’T HIDE FROM EXTERNAL SEARCH ENGINES
Accessibility means many things. Make sure your site is friendly for individuals as well as for search engines. Using frames, a Flash intro, and graphic text are some of the best ways to hide from search bots.
TIP 10
THINK LONG TERM BUT FOCUS ON SHORT TERM
It is easy to lose sight of the big picture when you’re hit with emergencies and urgent requests. Making a company and team commitment to stay on target (18- to 24-month goals) will enable the kind of focus necessary to strategize successfully.
From : Web ReDesign 2.0 Workflow that Works By Adobe Creative Team