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 example 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 Web site, or consulting an entire brand identity, the process remains as 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

Focus the concept

- 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

Result — Direction and Goals set and understood by designer and client

Content

Site structure

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

Result — Layout and content defined

Design

Establish style

- 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

Result — Photoshop 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

Result — SEO Optimized code that is easy to update and add content

Test

- vet site integrity with all major browsers
- test usability without css/flash/javascript
- test overall usability with client, and sample customer base

Result — 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

Result — 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

Result — 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

Result — Peace of mind that you will have maximum uptime, and minimum headaches