Quick Update/Feedback Loop: Best Way to Design/Develop a Website
Quick Update/Feedback Loop: Best Way to Design/Develop a Website
The process of designing and developing a website is a complex task that requires careful planning, execution, and continuous improvement. One of the most effective methods to achieve this is by adopting a lean approach, which emphasizes quick cycles of updates and feedback loops. This method, inspired by the Lean Design Methodology, allows for swift progress towards the end goal while ensuring that the final product aligns closely with the envisioned outcome.
The Lean Design Methodology is a business philosophy that focuses on eliminating waste in any production process to drive innovation and design excellence. It enhances productivity and value for customers and stakeholders. When applied to website design, it allows for swift launching and iterative improvements over time, negating the need for a massive upfront investment.
The first step in the lean website design process is the audit and analysis stage. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the current website and its platform, as well as an exploration of the broad needs of the project and desired outcomes. The goal is to lay a strategic foundation for an effective launch.
Next comes the competitor, market, messaging, and landscape research stage. Here, the team analyzes the competitive landscape for critical factors like ease of use, content availability, clear calls-to-action, and messaging impact. This stage reveals critical opportunities and imperatives that can guide the subsequent stages of the design process.
The third stage involves prioritization and analysis. The design, content, and marketing teams look for quick wins and "low-hanging fruit" actions in a comprehensive audit document. Website analytics can show which pages do not convert leads or rank for SEO, and therefore may need the most improvement. This stage helps the team prioritize action items for a lean launch.
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Following this, the team embarks on the information architecture, buyer journey, and site organization stage. The team considers user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO) mistakes, such as failing to use appropriate keywords for page titles and headers. Analytics and testing are used to define a better navigation system and concept plan.
Simultaneously with content planning, the design team works on design exploration and wireframes. This involves creating a mockup which captures design inspiration, and simple design themes such as colors, fonts, and icons. Then the team moves into wireframing and design mockups, with several rounds of revisions if needed.
Content optimizations come next. The team develops a value proposition that is value-centric and not autobiographical. At this stage, content may be SEO optimized for keyword strategy targets. Following this, the development stage begins. The website is built with modular templates that can be easily repurposed as the website scales. A lean website undergoes multiple launches, not a single culminating launch event.
Once the website is launched, the real work begins. This period is made for testing, iteration, and analysis. By testing different designs, messaging, and conversion points, the team gradually gains insights and can optimize for better performance.
Throughout this process, feedback plays a crucial role. Design feedback opens the door for team members, clients, and stakeholders to review and analyze a design idea. It's a critical part of the design process because it lets you know what's working, what's not working, and how things can be improved.
In conclusion, the lean website design process is a dynamic, iterative, and feedback-driven approach that ensures the final product meets user and business needs. It improves teamwork and alignment, creates more efficiently, and ultimately leads to happier users. By following this process, businesses can ensure their websites are not only visually appealing but also functional, user-friendly, and aligned with their overall business goals.
Citations:
- https://vwo.com/website-redesign/
- https://www.mtu.edu/it/security/policies-procedures-guidelines/information-security-program/system-development-lifecycle/#:~:text=The%20purpose%20of%20an%20SDLC,University%20strategic%20and%20business%20objectives.
- https://www.invisionapp.com/inside-design/what-is-design-thinking/#:~:text=Ideation,in%20the%20design%20thinking%20process.
- https://www.analytixmedia.com/post/what-is-the-lean-website-design-approach-and-how-should-you-implement-it
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/performance-management/performance-management-cycle/monitoring/feedback-is-critical-to-improving-performance/#:~:text=Effective%20and%20timely%20feedback%20is,goals%2C%20employee%20performance%20will%20improve.
- https://xbsoftware.com/blog/website-development-process-full-guide/
- https://blog.planview.com/lean-methodology-what-is-it-and-why-do-you-need-it/
- https://www.ironpaper.com/webintel/articles/what-does-a-lean-website-design-process-look-like
- https://www.invisionapp.com/defined/design-feedback#:~:text=Design%20feedback%20opens%20the%20door,how%20things%20can%20be%20improved.
- https://www.toptal.com/designers/design-systems/benefits-of-design-system
- https://qualaroo.com/blog/how-to-build-feedback-into-your-products-lifecycle/
- https://www.wework.com/ideas/professional-development/creativity-culture/what-is-design-thinking#:~:text=Design%20thinking%20is%20a%20process,approach%20to%20creating%20innovative%20solutions.
- https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/performance-management/performance-management-cycle/monitoring/feedback-is-critical-to-improving-performance/
- https://blog.zeplin.io/the-design-process-and-5-reasons-why-it-matters
- https://leanconstruction.org/lean-topics/lean-in-design-architecture-and-engineering/
Adam Ruffin2024-04-02Fantastic service! Donny was very patient with our changes during the process and we would highly recommend his company !Craig Williams2024-04-02Donny has been hosting and handling our website for years. I would highly recommend Grover Web Design!Amanda Bigger2024-04-02As a small business owner it is extremely difficult to find a website builder and designer that is willing to cater to your needs, regardless of your budget. In the four years we have been with Grover Web Design we continue to be impressed with their knowledge, attention to detail, prompt response time, and professionalism. Thank you Grover Web Design for continuing to provide us at Bigger Glass Company with the best all-around website support!Teri Todd2023-10-20We have always received compliments on our website design! Donny was understanding of what we needed and created a site that was truly reflective of who we are and what we do!Beth Bunge2023-10-20GWD is the Best in the industry. They designed our website and listened to our input and gave great ideas and expertise. We get tons of compliments on our website and that has increased business for us! In addition, they manage our website and taught us how to do some changes ourselves. If we ask they immediately update and makes changes as needed. They are responsive and so professional and fun to work with. Highly recommend!Clare Hungiville2023-10-19I cannot say enough good things about Donny Grover and his team at Grover Web Design ! I contacted Grover Web Design to do a series of web pages for various companies. They are fast, cost efficient and super creative !! Their customer service followup is simply the BEST. Never going to another designer again ! Donny, thank you for all you do, Clare Hungiville.Tanner Renken2023-10-13I’ve been working with GWD for a few years now and have nothing negative to say. Donny and his team do awesome work! They are quick to respond and help out whenever they can! 10/10 recommend!Ron Norris2023-06-22We have been fortunate to have Grover Web Design as our website developer for the past 8 years. Their service and support have been exceptional throughout our partnership. What sets them apart is their ability to assist us with any IT related question or project. We highly recommend Grover Web Design for their expertise and dedication to their clients.Denada Jackson2023-05-10It is always a pleasure to work with Donny and Team. I appreciate their prompt responses and always capturing our client's vision.Womens Health Action2023-05-08As a small team based in New Zealand, we've used Grover Web Design to help with the running/maintenance of the Global Big Latch On website. We've always found Donny to be easy to communicate with, professional, and responsive (despite our time zone differences). We would recommend GWD to others.
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