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Web Design & Reconstruction

There are 6 Phases in the Website Reconstruction Process. The Time to Completion varies, depending on:

  • the size of the project
  • the availability of resources
  • timely input from the client

Each project is unique. This PDF (which will open in a new tab) shows the range of Website Components. To view the PDF in landscape, simply "right click" on the image once it's open and select "Rotate Clockwise."

Phase I: The Prep

During the first phase, we collect and organize everything we need to complete the project, including:

  • Brand guidelines
  • Collateral documents
  • All images, graphics, and downloadable files

Phase II: Needs Assessment

The Needs Assessment is a collaborative process between CDAC and the client. During this phase, we work with you to identify the most important aspects of the site, including:

  • Goals and objectives
  • Audience analysis
  • Esthetics
  • Site map
  • Content audit
  • Content development needs
  • Calls to action
  • Navigation options

Phase III: The Strategy

Every reconstruction project starts with a plan, and Website Reconstructions are no exception. During this phase, the focus is on mapping out the design/redesign, defining the specs (Creative Brief), followed by developing the architecture, or structural design, of the site. The Creative Brief establishes client preferences relating to:

  • Design
  • Navigation
  • Colour palette
  • Branding/visitor perception
  • Design templates for home, and interior pages

Phase VI: Content Development

Because "Content is King," this phase is arguably the most important component of the site! Once we’ve established the purpose and function of each page, we can flesh it out with content! Remember, content includes:

  • Words
  • Images
  • Graphics
  • Meta tags
  • Page titles
  • Audio
  • Video
  • Case studies
  • White papers

The importance of Content Editing

Content must be consistent in style and voice, and it must resonate with your audience. Even if it is written by a single author, it’s still a good idea to have your content edited by someone skilled in technical and creative writing, with a solid understanding of both your message as well as your product/services. They should also understand how to write and format Web Content.

Phase V: Build Out & User Testing

Phase V begins once the surgery is over. During this stage, the pages are filled with content, including graphics and images and internal and external links are created and tested, kind of like physiotherapy.

Developing 301 redirects is another very important part of this phase. This activity ensures that changes in URLs will not loose any traffic intended for those pages. It ensures that existing links or bookmarks won’t return a “page not found” but will be referred to the new page.

Extensive User Testing also occurs during this phase. If you can’t find the bathroom from the bedroom, it’s a problem. Same with your website. Users have expectations, and it’s our job to make sure they’re met. During this phase the site is also proofed for typoes, formatting, broken links, image load time, and navigation, as well as for proper display on all browsers.

Phase VI: The Launch

Time to celebrate! During this phase, you'll want to make sure everyone knows about it, so you "send out invitations" to search engines and anyone else you want to update.

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