Deep Interactive – Chicago Interactive Agency specializing in Print & Graphic Design, Web Design & Development, SEO, and Internet Marketing

HOW WE THINK

The process in which Deep Interactive has molded and perfected over time is the key to the success of its web design and development. A strict process must be followed to ensure that the Client’s goals and expectations are met – leading to satisfaction and success. The process also makes sure that all concerns are taken into consideration and are addressed. It also keeps both the Client and Deep on the same page at all times, ensuring that the project is completed on-time and on-budget. The following is our detailed process so that the Client understands the VALUE in what is being received.

Each project will have a slightly different process to adhere to its needs. However, this is a great overview:

DISCOVER

  • DEFINE GOALS OF THE STAKEHOLDER AND THE WEB PROJECT (Website, graphic design, program, marketing plan)
    • The stakeholder is the one investing in the web project. What do they really want out of this investment? 99.9% of the time, the answer is more business – thus, more money.
    • What is the purpose of the web project? Why will it exist? Understanding the goals of the website will dictate the direction of the design.
  • IDENTIFY THE AUDIENCE
    • It is crucial to find out what the site visitors and target audience WANT. Understanding the audience will lay out the tracks for how a user will navigate through the site, program, copy, etc. Understanding and mapping the different personas and scenarios a visitor will partake increases the success of the site.
  • IDENTIFY AND COMPARE COMPETITION
    • What your competition lacks is your gain. Observing what your competition is doing right will help even out the score and what they are doing wrong will help you avoid the same problem. It is imperative to be aware of your competition to say ahead of the game because you have to assume that they are watching you.
  • RESEARCH ANY RELEVANT SOURCES
    • The more we know, the better our strategy.

PLAN

  • INFORMATION ARCHITECTURE (Simple layout of Home page and its critical elements, Site Map)
    • This is the art and science of organizing and labeling web sites to support findability and usability. Not only is it important to have an aesthetic website but also how the users will navigate through the site with ease and immediately find what they are looking for. Information architecture also encompasses conversion optimization, which is creating an engaging user experience that results in call-to action (buying a product, filling out a contact form, ect). It is ultimately the psychological process a user goes through in order to get him/her to understand what the purpose of the website is.
    • For a non-website project, a flowchart or list will detail how the design/program/strategy will work, and the key concepts will be identified.
  • CONTENT OUTLINE
    • The content layout should ensure a strong user flow for experience as well as work within the design of the site. Content is just as important as the design. Headlines are very important to engage visitors to convey the right message to the audience. Deep Interactive DOES offer copywriting and copyediting services.

DESIGN AND DEVELOP

  • CONCEPT CREATION
    • This is the look and feel of the web project, from fonts to colors to images.
  • DESIGN MOCKUP
    • Variations of colors, layouts, themes, looks, etc are given. The Client will choose one and make desired changes.
  • ANY EXTENSIVE PROGRAMMING AND BACK-END DEVELOPMENT
    • This may include a Content Management System, E-Commerce system, Flash development, Database management, etc.

LAUNCH

  • DEPLOY FINISHED SITE INTO HOSTING
    • Having used the most current web design technology, the fully-functional site is ready to show off it swings and launch into the World Wide Web. It is important to note that testing will occur after deployment to ensure that no bugs and problems exist.
  • THE FINISHED PRODUCT
    • Client signs off on approval