Web Design Process

There is a common notion that web design (as design in general) is something that could be very easily altered, changed or manipulated. While manipulation part is totally in the hands of the designer (and the better he is the easier it is for him to manipulate), the rest is not as easy as it looks. Web page design consists of multiple design elements; not all of them are immediately noticeable. For example, any box that drops a shadow (look at the top of the current page for example) contains about a dozen of images, also called slices. When you look into an original web design file (usually it's a PSD file that can be opened by Adobe Photoshop) prepared by designer you will notice a number of layers. Each layer represent certain element (or elements) of design - from small single half-tone triangle to large backgrounds.

Web design is a tricky thing to create. Web site must capture visitor's attention immediately - and must keep him interested long enough to complete transaction or deliver the message. It takes time to create something original and practical, that's why it may take couple of weeks (or even more) before you see first series of web site drafts. Alterations, no matter how small thay might seem, usually require some time to be implemented. Remember the numerous layers in web design file? Moving "that box over here" may require updating almost all of them. This takes time and patience. Zealus Web Design tries its best to create an outstanding product for you and your visitors.

Once a client settled on the design and worked out small issues the design has to be sliced - thus the term slice for each of the image. This is neccessary so that web browser (Internet Explorer, Firefox or Safari) would load page faster. Omitting all the technical jargon, let's just say that now design looks like innocent HTML web page, populated by sample data and sample images. This is where web programmers start to plug in their code.

The programming code (also called scripts) is what drives pretty much any web site on the back end. That's how your clients are able to place orders online and see all the latest and greatest products right there on the first page. This code must be plugged in into the designed HTML page so it would display proper things in the proper places. Once that part is complete - the web site is ready for testing.

Testing your web site is important. During the process of designing and programming of the web site many things can happen. After all - we're all human and make mistakes. You must test your web site in order to fix those mistakes. Order may not have shipping charge or shipping might be calculating wrong. E-mails from Contact Us section of your web site may miss some important information. These things can only be spotted once the web site is operational and filled with real-world data. That's why it is both the client's and Zealus Web Design studio's responsibility to thoroughly test the web site.

Work on your custom web site doesn't stop there, of course. Once the web site is launched we keep monitoring it, perform daily backups and provide you with advice and support in expanding your venture.