What We Do
Design Portfolio
Why DC Design?
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Our Client-Oriented Project and Design Process
We Work for YOU! Working Closely with Our Clients is Very Important to Us
We stress a close working relationship with our clients so we can utilize our design experience, paired with your company vision and design preferences to develop a customized end product that is meets all of your functional and design needs.
We break our full-service website design & development process down into 6 steps. These steps outline processes and guidelines based on Information Architecture (IA), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), User-Centered Design (UXD), and other standards and protocols for an organized process that results in a fully functional product you can be proud of!
Our six-step web design & development project process breaks down like this:
- 1. Discovery & Research
- 2. Navigation & Strategy
- 3. Design & Graphics
- 4. Development & Coding
- 5. Site Launch
- 6. Monitor, Maintain, & Expand
A more detailed description of each step can be viewed below. If you have any questions, please contact us today!
1. Discovery & Research
In this first step we like to get to know our customer, their target audience, and get to understand their website and internet related ideas, goals, and expectations. We begin to develop a broad concept of the project and brainstorm ideas to create a project blueprint to follow.
This step involves many processes and protocols outlined by Information Architecture (IA). Simply put, IA is the use of standards and conventions to functionally organize content into a usable and understandable format. This process allows us to break down and, in this case, optimize your content for web-use.
Having studied and used this process for years, we are confident in the techniques outlined by IA.
- Get to Know Client & Understand Goals
- Brainstorm Project Thoughts & Ideas
- Develop a Project Blueprint Using IA
2. Navigation & Strategy
This step focuses on developing a navigation and page structure for your website. We analyze what you want to display on your site, research what your competitors are doing, and begin developing an outline for your website.
This step relies on IA principles, as well as User-Centered Design (UXD) practices to insure the organization and usability of your site. We also utilize Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques to begin developing optimal content keywords and important content topics.
This phase makes sure your website features all your content, showcases key information, is easy to navigate, will not confuse your users, and is easy to find online.
- Create a Simple, Easy To Use Content Structure
- Establish Intuitive Website Navigation
- Begin Developing SEO Keywords & Key Topics
- Create a Website Outline & Functional Specifications
3. Design & Graphics
This phase of development is usually the most hands on, and most fun. Here we take all of your design preferences, thoughts, and ideas and combine them with our input and design knowledge to develop a fully customized website, graphic, or logo that you can be proud of!
Creativity is key here. We really like to make our client's graphic and design visions come to life on the computer. From sketches, color schemes, design thoughts, to pointing out designs you like, we work hard to include you and your ideas and make sure you are satisfied.
We pride ourselves on designing unique and customized solutions, DC Design is eager to help make your website, logo, or graphic designs come alive with you today!
- Design Collaboration & Idea Brainstorming
- Develop Custom Website, Logo, & Graphic Designs
- Bring Your Design Ideas to Life!
4. Development & Coding
This step is where we begin putting the nuts and bolts of the website together. We lay down the ground work, including installing our Content Management System (CMS) of choice, Joomla, and any necessary Joomla extensions, modules, or plugins.
This is also the step where Joomla is customized and the Joomla template will be converted and installed. Any custom programming or extension customization will also be completed. Website pages are created with initial or temporary content in place.
After all functional aspects of the site are completed, functionality and usability tests are conducted and alterations are made based on the results.
- Joomla Template Creation & Installation
- CMS and Functional Parts Development
- Custom Programming and Extension Development
5. Site Launch
More than just flipping a switch, this step includes proof-reading, nit-picking, and finalizing all parts of the final website according to specifications layed out in step 1.
Before setting the site live on the internet, final SEO techniques are implemented and website tracking and analysis software is installed.
Once everything has been checked and tested, the website is set live for public visitors to find and see, but this is typically just the beginning of the journey to developing a successful website that meets your goals.
- Website Content is Proof-Read & Finalized
- All Website Pages & Links Verified
- Website Tracking and Analysis Software Installed
- Website is Publically Launched Online
6. Monitor, Maintain, & Expand
Monitoring and maintaining your website is a crucial step many people overlook. To get the most out of your site, you can not just let it sit there, stagnant. Continuously monitoring website traffic, your competition, and current success, then responding to this data by optimizing and making alterations to your website is very important.
To reach all of your website and internet based goals can take a lot of time and patience. You are constantly fighting to stand out and get a step up over your competition.
DC Design understand the internet is a great place to stand out, and will monitor and optimize your website to make sure all your website goals are met or exceeded.
- Monitor & Analyze Your Website Visitor Traffic
- Optimize Website & Content Based on Trends & SEO
- Continuously Improve Your Website Search Results
