After the strategies and business planning have been completed the design can commence. The focus and potential audience of the web site is determined. Sites are developed with a full project development methodology. Requirements, scope, timing and acceptance test criteria are decided. The client has input into the process of development and refinement and is therefore happy to sign-off on the prototype design.

Based on the client requirements a paper prototype is developed and evaluated by our development team of graphic designer, programmer and systems engineer. A structure chart indicates the scope and depth of the site. The graphic designer then develops templates for the client's approval.

The methodology is based on traditional software development techniques, modified by contemporary techniques and optimized for web site and web database applications. It places a strong emphasis on sessions with users to review and refine the system and ensure they are happy to sign off on the project outcomes.

Sites typically start with discussions and paper story boarding to clarify the concepts and user requirements. The client evaluates black and white paper mockups to determine usability and work flow. Complex portions of an application may require prototyping, particularly in the area of database. Multiple development and test machines are used, and once the site has passed the quality control procedures it is moved to a production server, and reviewed by the client. After acceptance it is then made available to the public.

The design process concentrates on the three areas of design,including;

• information design
• interactive design
• and visual design

Information Design
Information design is determined based on work flow diagrams and user stories (that is, specifications). This design determines how to structure and present content and functionality within the web site.

Interaction Design
Interaction design determines how the users interact and navigate the system. This is combined with user input and feedback, and aims to enhance the dialogue between the user and the web site.

Visual Design
Graphic design elements aid in communication and provide the look and feel of the site to reflect the corporate colours and professional persona of the organization. Consistency and positioning are key considerations in the visual design phase. Once the client approves the black and white mockups, detailed screen layouts are produced. These mockups incorporate the graphic design elements, images and colours appropriate for the site and allow the client to visualize the graphics and colours before any coding has commenced. Any changes or modifications are accommodated easily at this stage.

Once developed the site is moved to a test environment. After successful testing it is moved to production. Once the site is live the client is requested to participate in usability testing to improve functionality and determine if further refinement is required.

The goal of usability is to allow the user to complete tasks in a seamless manner aided, rather than confused by the technology. Portions of the system are trialled with novice and power users with improvements implemented based on their comments. These modifications form the basis for tailoring the system to increase usability and enhance the user's experience in a positive manner.

The usability evaluation consists of:

• Testing the usability of the design in the work environment;
• Potential design issues detected early;
• Aligning the design with business and usability goals;
• Checking the design conforms to existing standards; and
• Checking the consistency of the design.