From the initial contact to project completion, find out how we create a website and how you’re involved each step of the way.
- Project initiated.
Once you contact Creative Services about a project, we assign it a job number and title. This number allows us to efficiently track your job from start to finish, and you’ll often see it referenced in correspondence such as emails. We’ll also send you a questionnaire to help us determine your audience, objectives and the scope of your project. - Client meeting scheduled.
Based on your questionnaire responses, a dedicated team is assigned to your project. The editor working on your project will contact you to schedule an initial meeting where you’ll meet the team and discuss the project in depth. - Web tree and design concept presented and approved.
An editor will review your existing website (if applicable), as well as competitor sites, to present a navigational structure — or Web tree — that best suits your audience and its needs. Any special features or programming also will be finalized in the Web tree. In addition, the creative team will share its initial design research for your site. This step allows you the opportunity to provide direction early in the design stage and continue any discussions concerning the look and feel of the site. - Prices provided.
Using the Web tree as a guide, our production manager will send you pricing for site development for your review and approval. - Production schedule set.
Based on your preferred launch date and the time needed to complete the project, a production schedule will be set to ensure your website stays on target. - Copy edited and wireframe developed.
Once the Web tree is approved, the editor begins work on copy. You can provide the copy, we can write the text or we can work with you to craft the perfect message. No matter the source, the editor reviews all copy using AP style to ensure consistent, error-free text that supports your goal and the university’s mission. - Wireframe developed.
The developer then will flow the edited text into a wireframe — the text-only version of the site developed to highlight site navigation and content without graphics. - Programming begins.
The programmer will start developing any database applications for the site as the wireframe is developed. Depending on the complexity of the site, the programmer may wish to schedule individual meetings with you and your staff to ensure the database meets your needs. - Internal proof routed.
Once the wireframe is completed, it routes through a thorough and careful internal review that starts with an initial copyedit. Our copyeditor reads the entire site and works with the developer and editor on any changes. A second copyeditor then conducts another review before the site gets the seal of approval from our editorial director. - Design completed.
As the wireframe is developed and routed, the designer will work with our art director to build on the initial concept, incorporating your feedback. - Wireframe and design presented.
The creative team will present the wireframe and one to three designs for your review. During this phase, the photography director also will discuss photos for the various levels of the site and determine if any photo shoots need to be scheduled. Following this meeting, we will provide you with the wireframe URL and proof approval form. - Client changes received and made.
The team will work with you to make any changes to the wireframe and design. - Programming presented.
The programmer will present the database applications for your review and testing, seeking feedback as the site nears launch. - Wireframe and design approval received.
At this stage, you can submit any final changes and then approve the wireframe and design by using the proof approval form provided by our production team. - Photo shoots finalized and photos edited.
The photography services director finalizes remaining photo shoots and initiates photo editing process. - Site development and final image selection.
The developer will build the site with URL, taking into account final design feedback, and work with the creative team to select photos. - Test site presented.
The creative team presents a working test site with URL — complete with photos, programming and other special features — for your review. - Client changes received and made.
The team will work with you to make any changes to the test site. - Site testing.
The developer and programmer will test the site in multiple browsers, including Internet Explorer 6 and 7, Firefox and Safari. - Final site approval received.
At this stage, you will review your final changes and then approve the site to go live. - Site launch.
Your site is moved to a live server and any necessary redirects are made. At this time, the developer also will submit your site to various search engines such as Google and Yahoo.