8 Stages of Website Design
The creation and design of a website are the two primary steps in the process. But it can also involve database management, web publishing, and website programming.
In contrast to web design, which describes a website’s appearance, web development refers to a website’s operation. In terms of creating a website, both abilities are equally crucial. Even if your website is beautifully designed and well picked for your business, it won’t be successful if it doesn’t work properly. And the other way around.
Types of Website Development
There are several different types of website development, but front-end development and back-end development are the most typical kinds. This refers to what a user sees and what a user doesn’t see on the page.
Front End Development
What the user sees and interacts with on the website is the result of front-end development. The colors, layout, fonts, and images on a website are all examples of website design. If you work as a front-end developer, you are in charge of determining how a website should seem and function.
In front-end development, the website design is created using programmes like Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, a front-end developer will require knowledge of numerous coding languages, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is essential to understand these programming languages so that a user may actually interact with the website through buttons and menus.
Back End Development
What the user of the website doesn’t see is the back-end development. The back-end development process is more concerned with functionality than looks. This can apply to anything that happens behind the scenes of a website, such as user authentication, network and hosting configuration, database interaction, and more.
A back-end developer is in charge of ensuring that everything on the website functions properly. For instance, a back-end developer is in charge of gathering and analysing data when users contribute their information to a website. Ruby,.Net, and Python are examples of server-side languages that a back-end developer should be knowledgeable about.
Full Stack Development
Full-stack development is another sort of website development. Both front-end and back-end development can be done by full-stack engineers. A full-stack developer must be proficient in server-side and programming languages and have the ability to manage every facet of website development.
What steps are involved in the development of a website?
- Information Gathering
- Planning
- Design
- Content
- Functionality
- Testing
- Launch
- Monitoring & Updates
1. Information Gathering
Information gathering is necessary before you can start building a website. Your purpose, primary objectives, and target market will all be included here.
In basic terms, the intention behind making this website was to serve your goal. Is it to promote oneself or to spread knowledge about a certain subject? You wish to use this website to achieve your aims. You’ll have a better understanding of how to build the website and what information to add if you have goals. Your website will be appealing to your target demographic. Prior to building the website, be sure to identify your target market since every firm has one. Consider the age, gender, and hobbies of your prospective client.
2. Planning
After gathering the essential data for your website, you must then begin planning it. You’ll make a sitemap using the data from the first step. All of your website’s topics and subtopics are included in a sitemap. You can visualize the website and how a user can navigate from one page to another with the help of the sitemap. This stage is essential if you want to design a user-friendly, appealing website.
3. Design
The design of the website must be decided upon after its general layout has been designed. All visual content, such as pictures and videos, will fall under here. As you develop the layout of your website, keep your target audience in mind.
A brand with pet owners as its target market, for instance, will have a totally different website than one for public relations. Your website should be designed with your target audience’s needs and wants in mind.
4. Content
One of a website’s most crucial components is the material that it contains. Your audience will understand your message through your content, which will also persuade them to visit your website. It is crucial because it will help you identify your objectives and purpose before you begin writing your content. Your material needs to be timely and compelling enough for users to return often.
5. Functionality
You’ll actually begin building your website at this stage. The previously mentioned steps will also come together at this point to produce the website’s appearance and functionality. You want your website to be simple to use and navigate. Typically, the homepage is produced first, followed by the creation of each subpage. Additionally, you must ensure that the website is usable on both desktops and mobile devices.
6. Testing
The website isn’t quite ready to be launched when it has been successfully developed. It must first be tested. Although testing the website can be time-consuming, it is vital to ensure that it is functioning properly. In this phase, you will test every link and button on the website, ensure that everything is spelt correctly, and ensure that the website displays identically on a phone and a computer.
7. Launch
The exciting step is finally launching the website after you’ve thoroughly examined it and tested it a few times. You must upload your website to a server before it can be launched. You should perform one final test right away after uploading it to make sure everything is working properly. The general public can now access the website.
8. Monitoring & Updates
It’s important to periodically monitor your website even after you’ve successfully launched it. Errors can occur, so it’s crucial to monitor the website to ensure that it stays up and running. Any issues should be resolved as soon as possible, and your website should always be current.
