Website design: stages of the project

Website design involves purpose, content structure, UX/UI and development. Each stage needs different decisions. Before starting, outline the offer, audience, assets and functions, and agree which items the client and supplier will prepare.

Brief, content and structure

Define what visitors should find and how they can get in touch. Page structure should follow the offer rather than fill a menu. Supply current copy, images and details or commission their preparation. Identify existing URLs to retain during a redesign.

UX/UI and mobile layouts

Review information order and navigation before visual design. Test long headings, menus and forms on narrow screens. Leszek Delimat’s website needed seven practice locations clearly connected with their contact details. The same principle applies to multi-branch businesses.

Development, content and testing

After development, check real content, images, links and forms. Review titles, headings and search access. If enquiries are measured, test the event and consent behaviour. A tracking tag’s presence does not establish that the data is correct.

Handover and maintenance

Agree editing access, domain, hosting, licences and update responsibilities. Handover does not automatically include ongoing support. During acceptance, follow a typical journey from arrival to contact and test recovery from form errors.

Project checklist

• Approve structure and real content before final design.
• Test contact, menus and long content on mobile.
• Agree access, maintenance and responsibilities after launch.