How Do We Handle Web Site Design & Web Development

In modern times, there are a whole host of features available to build a both stunning and interactive web site. The construction and completion of a web site can be categorised in two main areas:

1. The Design

The primary objective of a web site should be to meet the requirements of the client. In most cases this would be to attract then convert Internet users into customers, subscribers or in the case of charities, donators. The design of the web site is paramount to reassuring, educating and ultimately convincing the viewer that they have come to the right place, or that they have found what they are looking for. It is the responsibly of the web design company or sole web designer, to produce a suitable design that is attractive to the target market, and doesn't deter people from exploring the web site. Web designers often use a variety of techniques, programmes and software during the design of a web site. These may include any combination of the following:

• Hand Drawn designs - and conceptions are used to quickly produce layouts and visuals for the design.
• Adobe Photoshop - Can be used to produce mock-ups and 'Internet Ready graphics'.
• Adobe Illustrator - Is another tool for producing mock-ups, graphics and design elements.
• Adobe Flash - Can be used to produce animation, movement & interaction on a web site.
• Adobe Dreamweaver - Is used to construct the web site as it is being constructed for the Internet. Some designers even use Dreamweaver to help them with the design process of a web site.
• CSS - Cascading Style Sheets. CSS is used in conjunction with HTML to design and style the web site from a separate file. The use of CSS brings many advantages including advanced design features, lower file sizes and a universal styling document that updates the presentation and design of the site automatically from a single document.

2. The Development

Once the design of the web site is in place, either as a mock-up or coded HTML skeleton, the web site then requires developing. Development can be as basic as constructing the design as a web page in HTML, or it can be as complex as using the design to 'skin' a complex, Database driven web site. Development can be completed by the same designer, or in the case of bigger/complex projects, within a team of individuals who specialise in certain areas of construction. Web Developers or Web Designers can use any of the following to develop a web site to completion and the ongoing maintenance:

• HTML - Hypertext Markup Language is the basic language for presenting a website.
• XHTML - is the markup language with the same depth as HTML, but XHTML also conforms to XML syntax.
• XML - is a custom language for creating custom markup.
• RSS - Stands for 'Real Simple Syndication' and is a popular format for publishing frequently updated articles and stories like blogs.
• ASP.NET - Is the Windows Framework used for dynamic applications.
• PHP - Is a free (released under the PHP License) scripting language for constructing dynamic web sites.
• MySQL - Is a Open Source Database platform (available under terms of the GNU General Public License) and used in conjunction with PHP and other languages to store and retrieve data.
• AJAX - is a coding nickname for the combination technique of XML and Javascript for making rich internet applications.
• Javascript - is an established client-side scripting language commonly used by web site developers.
• Perl / CGI - is an aging scripting language that was developed originally for NASA in 1987.
• Actionscript - is a scripting language primarily used within and to integrate Flash. The latest version of Actionscript is 3.0 but 2.0 is still widely used worldwide.

Open Source and 3rd Party Web Design Software

Creare also utilise Open Source & 3rd party web design software. Open Source is essentially software that is developed by teams of people and is distributed for free on the internet. Open Source software covers a variety of web design applications including blogging software and e-commerce software. To name a few of these applications, Creare are familiar with the following:

• Wordpress - This is an Open Source blogging platform that requires at minimum, a basic understanding of HTML to install. Wordpress is updated frequently by its' developers and is available worldwide to the public.
• Magento - This is a free E-Commerce shopping cart application that literally has everything you need to be selling online.
• EKM Powershop - Is an 'off the shelf' third party shopping basket application. Creare have been using EKM Powershop for several years and are very familiar with their interface.
• Paypal - Is becoming one of the most popular and safe methods of sending and receiving money via the internet. Creare have experience with integrating and utilising Paypal.
• Google Checkout - A rival to Paypal, Google Checkout is Google's offering to paying online. Creare are able to integrate Google Checkout into static and e-commerce web sites.

Web Site Accessibility

Another key consideration to think about when choosing a web design company is accessibility and usability. Modern Internet Browsers and web site programming allow web sites to be constructed to allow users to:

• Increase the font size on your web site.
• Narrate the text on your web site.
• Navigate around the site with Back & Forward buttons.

Whilst all of the above factors should be taken for granted when you choose a web design company, the unfortunate fact is that you can't. Ensure that accessibility and 'Cross Platform' support is a key objective of your chosen web designers.