[thelist] starting a website

[Erika Meyer]

I forgot a couple of things.  Everyone who has a say in the final 
design should be involved in the planning process.  The "boss" should 
be discouraged from missing design meetings and then popping in with 
some kind of uninformed "executive decision" afterward.

During the planning process, take copious notes, and, put those notes 
into some kind of coherent order, providing copies to all involved. 
That way things stay clear for all who are involved.

& in general, the larger & more elaborate the site, the more time & 
care should go into the planning.  This also helps clients get a clue 
as to what is involved with site development & maintenance.

Webmonkey: Squishy's Tutorial in Information Architecture is good stuff.


>Start:
>- with client, define site goals & audience.
>
>Next:
>- with client, gather as much content or content info as you can.  & 
>discuss navigation/link/functionality/maintenance issues.
>
>Then:
>- get out the paper & pencil, and proceed as others have described.
>
>_________________

erika at seastorm.com
http://www.seastorm.com