5 Stages of Web Design

In preparing for my graphic design final tonight, I was trying to memorize the “5 stages of the design process”. As a web developer, I naturally wanted to apply these principles specifically to website design:

1. Research. When designing a site, several major questions need to be addressed. What functionality must be provided in the site? Does the organization or individual have a color scheme already, and if not, what would they like their color scheme to say? Is the site to be edgy, modern, grungy, clean, classical, professional, etc?
2. Creative Thinking. If you get to chose colors, play around with different combinations. Does custom artwork need to be generated? Browse other sites with similar goals, pick up good ideas and avoid bad ones. Surf stock photography and vector image sites for ideas to toss in. Go for a jog and think.
3. Roughs. Start sketching ideas feverishly. As quick as they come to you, draw them out. Do not stop for reflection. Try to come up with a wide variety of sites. Several aspects of each will stick with you.
4. Comps. Refine the best of your roughs into, say, three quality sketches or Photoshop layouts. These should be quality enough to present to the client (or your grandmother, whoever the site is for).
5. Final. Produce the finished product based off of the comp that your client liked best.

If you are designing a site for yourself, follow this procedure as well. If you are designing a site for your grandmother, follow it still. Get in the habit of professional design procedures, and your work will show the effort.