Topic 1: Developing and understanding the right amount of planning is crucial
Planning and understanding the parameters and deliverables of the project helps pinpoint next steps and that the achievability balances the objectives of the project. Therefore, understanding who you’re working with is key because all parties need to align and collaborate well. Planning simply helps reduce future problems, and research should also be considered to learn from the functionality of competitors’ sites.
Topic 2: Design for the target audience and understand the user.
While it’s important to understand the client and what the website’s goals, the end users are arguably the most important because they will be using the site. It can be helpful talking with or interviewing the sites end users during the process and you don’t want to make too many assumptions. Fully understanding and researching the needs of the site’s potential users and connecting those with the clients needs will bring the ultimate success.
Topic 3: Utilize site maps and wireframes
Site maps are arguably the most important part of understanding and creating the information architecture. In other words, site maps help create strong navigation structures and functionality. Wireframes are important for communicating the site’s structure and function through design language. They help clients focus on the structural aspects from an aesthetic perspective, another step in the planning process which then jumpstarts the final project.