|
|
Lulay's >
Business >
Web Programming / Design >
How I Identify Your Project Type
The following list of questions / topics outline some of the things I need to know and consider when
deciding on the kind of web project that is appropriate (not in a particular order).
Skill of the Person Who Will Administrate Your Web Site
If you have a web site that will be regularly updated, someone in your business will have to be designated
to upload your information. The skill level of this person is important to know up front, so
any application can be targeted for such a user.
Browser Version to Target
An attempt to find out how old the browsers or equipment that your visitors are using is very
important. If you miss this up front, going back can be very hard and costly.
Your Total Web Budget
Total amount to spend on the project, and ongoing expenses. Most people are primarily concerned
about the money they have to pay up front and forget to find out what it will cost to host the site, or
make changes, or if there is an additional cost to maintain copyright. All cost considerations
should be discussed and decided up front, before the project begins.
Hardware / Software Limitations and Availability
If you will be storing any kind of web building application on your business machine, what kind of
machine do you have and what software do you have?
Resolution Target (600x480, 800x600, 1024x800)
Most developers don't consider asking you about the resolution that might be most appropriate for your
visitors. Instead they build your web site to a fixed width that is generally viewable
in 600x480 or 800x600. My web sites are built to be scalable and look good in any
resolution. In any case, it is important to attempt to identify a standard resolution target.
Your Coordination Person's Availability Throughout Project
The biggest hindrance to any project that I work on is the availability of the customer. When you
make the decision to create a web site, you need to make a commitment of regular timed meetings that you
will be available until a pre-determined date. This enables both parties to know that the project has
a scheduled date to complete.
Number of Pages that are Static
There is a large difference between a web site that has three pages that never (or rarely) need to be updated, and
a site that has three pages that all need to be updated at varying intervals (some every day or
week). Pages that don't need to be updated are called Static pages, and pages that need to be updated
are generally referred to as Dynamic. My processes cover Static, Dynamic and and hybrid of both that
helps you get a Dynamic result at a reduced cost.
Existing Web Site
If a current web site exists, are there issues with copyright? Will you be using the same
web address? Will you use this address and add others to it?
Attaching to an Existing Application?
Have you purchased an existing application that stores database information that you want displayed over
the web?
Create a Database Driven Application?
Do you need an application to be created that will maintain your information in a database, resulting in the
ability to create web pages through a database program.
E-Commerce
Do you want people to be able to order products from your web site? If so, will you allow them to
process the order on the web with OR without your assistance? Particularly - will you allow the
user to enter credit card information over your web site, or will you allow them to make the order on the
site and process the credit card with you over the phone?
ADA Compliance
What special viewing needs do your visitors have, that may fall under the ADA compliance
guidelines? Being the webmaster of the Oregon Dept. of Education, I am already
aware of the ADA standards and what it takes to make sure a site is compliant with the variety of
browser types and versions.
|
|
|
