Overview

In this module, we begin by discussing the overall process of web design in several separate stages:

1. Planning. The planning stage is one of the most important parts of web design. The design part of "web design" means "to plan and fashion artistically or skillfully." Without a plan, you are like a contracter trying to build a house without blueprints.
2. Design. This is where you begin the artistic part of the process. Your design must take into consideration, technical limitations, client preferences and target audience expectations.
3. Production. Once you develop a working design, you can begin site construction. This is the technical and programming stage where you "fashion skillfully."
4. Marketing. Once you've put together the site, how are you going to get your audience to find it? Here's where we learn Search Engine Optimization so your site can be at the top of Google.
5. Evaluation. How do you measure the success of the site? This is an important stage in determining whether or not you achieved the goals you set out with.
6. Maintenance. How will the site be maintained? Who will do the maintenance? You? The client?

In future modules, we discuss the design, production, marketing, evaluation, and maintenance stages in more detail.