Web design services

Most businesses are already aware of the importance of a high quality, well planned website. For those of you who aren't, or would like to learn more, we recommend reading some of the articles in our web articles section to bring you up to speed.

The main purpose of this section is to provide an overview of the steps we follow from concept, to creation and implementation of a website. Please note that the process may vary slightly depending on the size, duration, and complexity of the project.

Step 1 - Informaton Gathering

This step, as suggested by the name is all about gathering information and requirements for the development of your website. It usually occurs in the format of a meeting, during which ideas are discussed and noted by a Pie Software consultant. Details discussed include:

· Hosting & Domain name requirements
· Preferred look and feel of the website (overall design)
· Functional requirements (database, programming etc)
· Existing business model and processes (where relevant)
· Other requirements

Step 2 - Issue of Proposal

At this point the preliminary proposal is issued to the client. It contains the following information:

· Project specifications (based on information gathered from preliminary discussion)
· Total development costs
· Terms & Conditions
· Project Agreement

* Note - All documentation is made available to clients online via secure login.

Step 3 - Accept Proposal / Request Alterations to Proposal

At this point the client may choose to:

a) accept the proposal OR
b) request to have it modified (ie, items added, removed).

If the proposal is accepted the process moves to step 4,else it returns to step 3b and so on.

Step 4 - Commence Development

Upon acceptance of the proposal a date for development is scheduled and the project begins. Development is separated into two distinct phases - design phase, and functional development phase.

The design phase is characterised by the creation of several different designs, upon which the client chooses the one they are most happy with. This design becomes the working model, and up to three major revisions are made (if required) until the client is satisfied with the result. Upon the completion of the design phase the functional development phase is entered into.

The functional development phase involves all dynamic components of the website, ie elements that require programming. This stage is complete upon successfull demonstration of the functional objectives.

Step 5 - Quality testing & Feedback

This stage involves the final testing of the website, ie looking for broken links,
testing database and programming functionality, testing of email addresses etc. Feedback is also gathered prior to release for any minor changes that may be required.

Step 6 - Website launch

The website goes live upon receipt of final payment.

Step 7 - Website monitoring

In instances where search engine optimisation is involved, or dynamic systems such as ecommerce have been implemented, the website is monitored for performance and adjustments made if required. This period usually extends for 3 months after completion unless requested otherwise.