Windvoice has developed a system for working with our clients that makes the process a true collaborative effort. The goal is to have the final web site the one our client envisioned. We believe that clients know exactly what they want their site to be. Our job is to work with them to translate their ideas to the web. We do this by breaking it down into a four stage process. Each stage is designed to get maximum client feedback.

Meeting with the Client

We meet with our clients at their establishment. The one-on-one meeting facilitates a true understand of who they are, what they do, how they do it, and what their goals are. This information is the foundation of the web site. At the first meeting we discuss not only what they want in a web site today but what their long range plans are for both their business and the web site.

At this meeting we gather as much print material and as many images as possible. Looking at all the print material is critical for several reasons:

1. Windvoice gains insight into clients and how they interface with their customers.
2. Most businesses have a substantial investment in print material (business cards, brochures, logos) with which they have established their identity with their clients. We want to build on and enhance the branding they have already established.
3. Reviewing all the print and image material allows us to suggest what can be translated to the web. It may be several different pieces that can be combined to make a visual image.
4. It saves the customer time and money.
   
   Examples:

a. Company logo in a usable digital format
b. Good quality graphics and photographs
c. Text from brochures

Planning the Web Site

A comprehensive plan for web site development is critical. We create an outline for the site showing how the information will be presented and what will be included. This outline also allows our customers to see how the information will be connected and where additional information or sections could be placed.

This plan is a valuable tool for Windvoice and our clients. Reviewing the plan with the client allows the basic foundation of the site to be adjusted to the client's exact vision and give the client a realistic understanding of the process and the client's role. During the review we go over what the steps are and what the client will contribute (what information must be secured or develop, what images or graphics they already exist and what must be created, and a realistic time commitment.)

Site Development

Developing the site architecture with the look and feel of the site establishes a foundation upon which the entire site will be built. Often when clients see their ideas on the web the site may not look exactly the way they thought it would. (The green is too bright or the image is too strong.) Making adjustments now saves time, effort and money.

A major aspect of site development is the navigation. The end user must be able to find the information in a quick, logical manner. Navigation is more than the menu. It is understanding how people use the web and find sites and what information must be at their finger tips.

Site Deployment

Once the site is ready to go live, it still is not done. Testing is essential, not only at the time of deployment but also on a continuing basis.

The client and the web designer must have a complete picture of the site and what pages will need to be updated. Before deploying a site, there should be a plan in place for keeping the information current.

Programs, Tools and Skills

The programs and tools that a designer uses and their proficiency with them ares essential. For a list of the programs and tools we are trained and proficient with along with samples of how we use them, go to the next page.

Programs - Tools - Examples of Our Skills