Erik Florida

Services

Design Process

It is critical to have a comprehensive design process. Design is not only about creativity and art. Design is about applying creativity with constraints, to solve a problem. It is important to follow methods and theories that support well-defined goals.

Below is an outline of my design process. The process is ever-evolving and must be adapted to each specific project, but the process provides a structure to ensure success. Whether I am creating a logo, re-designing an existing website, or consulting an entire brand identity, the process remains a framework for completing the project successfully. A successful project is one completed by meeting a set of goals mutually determined by the designer and the client in a given time frame. In this process, the client understands how their problem will be approached and solved.

Plan

- Establish who you are, what you do
- Determine competition – what are they doing?
- Define customer/audience – what do they want?
- Research brand, industry, competition, etc.
- Project additional services or features that could extend goals
- Brainstorming what all this means

— Direction and goals set and understood by designer and client

Content

- Content outline
- Information architecture
- Site diagram/map/flow chart
- Wire frames

— Layout and content defined

Design

- Use words, colors, emotions, pictures, etc.
- Get inspired
- Start sketching/drawing/brainstorming/designing/creating
- Review/critique the designs, all aspects
- Refine vision, finalize some mockups

— Design mockups

Create

Code

- Use latest (X)HTML standards for SEO and accessibility optimized content
- Use latest CSS standards with cross-browser compatibility
- Organize and comment code for easy future modifications

— Accessible and search engine optimized code

Test

- Vet site integrity with all major browsers
- Test usability without CSS/Flash/JavaScript
- Test overall usability with client, and sample customer base

— A fully functional and degradable web site

Refine

- Based on testing, finalize code, content, layout, and images
- Finalize functionality and design
- Gain final approval for release

— Production-ready site, ready for launch!

Launch

- Launch site, make a plan for recording and processing metrics
- Record site success, review goals and plan measurement tools

— A completed site with metrics for measurement of success

Maintenance

- Maintain server up-time
- Save, record and backup all server data, as well as metrics
- Make periodic updates as needed

— Peace of mind that you will maximize uptime, and minimize headaches