In this particular article, it is stated that above all else, the users of a website are the most important component in determining a website’s success. While it is true that the client is the one requesting for the site to be made, and therefore the client’s opinion is important, the users of the site are ultimately the ones who will decide if the website lives or dies. That being said, it is imperative for the designer to research and conclude what the wants and needs of website users are. By doing so, the designer can then combine those user needs with the needs of the client, in the end crafting a website that is more successful overall.
After the designer has concluded what the site will do and who will use it, the article suggests that physical site maps should be constructed in order to plan out how tasks and information will be accessed on the site. When it comes to larger, more complex websites, the site map should be divided into sections so as to make the work more palatable. A site map can simply be sketched on paper and later moved on to digital software. The article discusses how it is important to add every element to each page of the site map, including smaller and more minor buttons and text. By including every element in the site map, the website designer can avoid mistakes or complications in the site’s navigation structure down the road.
As mentioned earlier, it is crucial for the designer to work in tandem with client interests and user needs, rather than striving to achieve an individual goal for a website. However, the designer must also take into account the budget that is available for a particular website project. If the designer knows exactly what their budget is, they will be able to more accurately determine goals for their website, as well as better conserve their resources. For technology, the designer needs to make sure that their website is accessible on different platforms, devices, etc., when creating the code for the site. All of this is done to preserve the website for the future, and minimize the potential risks or complications that could occur later in the website’s life.