Setting the Stage: Planning a Web Development Project  

You have a potential project that has just dropped into your lap. The client (or your boss) asks you the deadly question: 'How much time is this going to take, and how much is it going to cost?' What is the first step you take in identifying the actual costs and timing associated with the project? How much information do you need up front in order to generate a realistic proposal? What other elements do you need to incorporate into the proposal to ensure you can say 'yes' to the project without getting into over your head? This handout has been developed to help you make the right decisions and organize your existing information in a comprehensive manner allowing you to properly identify scope, budget and timing to 'set the stage' before beginning an actual Web project.

Goto, Kelly. GotoMedia (2001). Design>Web Design>Planning

Ten Tips for Managing a Successful Web Redesign

Processes evolve. Over time and several redesigns, a few points screamed to be kept in mind: communicate with the client, be scalable, plan to plan, test your assumptions, analyze your current site, and so on. We ran these mini-philosophies by industry leaders and newbies alike. The result? Our collection of things to think about evolved into—drum roll, please—10 EXPERT TIPS TO A SUCCESSFUL REDESIGN. Redesign is happening. Address the need. And stay on track while you do it.

Goto, Kelly and Emily Cotler. Communication World Bulletin (2004). Design>Web Design>Redesign>Project Management

Usability Testing: Assess Your Site's Navigation and Structure  

Usability is literally the 'ease of use' or understanding it takes to make something work. In this case, Web Site usability is the understanding of how an individual user navigates, finds information and interacts with your Web Site. Unlike online surveys or focus groups, usability testing is a oneon- one process in a 'watch and learn' approach. The results of the sessions are used to improve your user’s experience. Having the development team watch the testing and witness the results helps resolve most internal issues in an undisputed manner. You can’t fight the reality of usability testing.

Goto, Kelly. GotoMedia (2000). Articles>Usability>Methods>Testing

Web Design Workflow: Project Organization and Management  

Whether you are managing an internal site, or building a new site from scratch, one thing remains as a key responsibility — managing expectations for an external or internal 'client.' This client must understand not only the fundamentals of building a Web site, but must also understand how each choice and decision that is made impacts both scope and budget of the project. By understanding the core elements of process which go into creating a Web presence, both the client and the project manager can utilize resources adequately and effectively.

Goto, Kelly. GotoMedia (2000). Design>Web Design>Workflow

Next Generation Mobile Authoring

Technological convergence, increased connectivity and consumer expectations are merging to create a landscape of opportunity for the next generation of mobile content, services and applications. Success and adoption are dependent on creating usable and useful experiences — positive interactions that are integrated into an individual's actual lifestyle. Emerging technologies providing streaming music, video and entertainment raise the level of interaction and usage to a new level, increasing the complexity of interfaces and heightening challenges to interface designers and usability professionals.

Goto, Kelly. GotoMedia (2006). Articles>Web Design>Wireless Web>Usability