A successful website begins and ends with successful designer/client communication. I believe in complete transparency and strive to include the client in every step of the process. I commit to the challenge of using my own experience and creativity to translate client vision and requirements into reality. To achieve this end, I typically conduct business with the following five phases.

I. Initial Consultation

The initial consultation is always free. To request a consultation, contact me and we'll make it happen. During this meeting (either in-person or via phone), I ask the client for details about the objective of the website. These questions allow us to create a tentative plan outlining the scope of the project, timeline, creative ideas, etc. Based on this discussion, I give a ballpark price quote and we decide whether or not to proceed with the project.

II. Information Architecture Phase

To avoid getting lost in the world of drop shadows, color, logo design and fonts, I begin the discussion by revisiting the site's mission: What is the website for? What content/information should be included? Based on the answers to these questions, I (working closely alongside the client) create a set of wireframes that illustrate how the site will be constructed and how the information will be laid out. At this time, any special functional requirements are documented.

III. Visual Design Phase

When the functional requirements and wireframes are complete, the design phase begins. At this point, I ask the client: What design aesthetic/look-and-feel fits best with the brand and site's mission? Do any current brands match the look-and-feel? Using the information articulated to me by the client, along with my own analysis and instincts, I create a one-page mock-up of the site's homepage. I meet with the client to review the design to see what works and what doesn't. I continue producing iterations of the design until we feel the vibe is right, and only then proceed to create comps for all additional pages.

IV. Front-End Development Phase

Once the client approves final comps, the coding phase of the project begins. This involves the actual "building" of the site, including integration with any type of content management system, along with cross browser compatibility testing. (I guarantee any sites I produce be fully functional in Firefox 2-3, Safari 3-4, Internet Explorer 6-8, and Google Chrome.)

V. Client QA Phase

The website is complete. The client and I will go through the site together to document any aspects that do not match the comps or functionality requirements. Bugs are fixed free-of-charge, and when all QA is complete, the client will receive an invoice (structured according to these five phases), as well as any login information for maintenance tools and access to their Google Analytics account.