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The RAAi Website Creation Process
Like the ever-changing streets of the city, our process adapts to the requirements of each project. What is typical? While we may have an ideal set of milestones, we understand that each job brings its own set of rules, expectations and constraints.
Our sites run the gamut from simple brochure-ware to e-commerce sites to web-deployed applications to integrated systems. We have a reputation as one of the top design firms in the state as well as in the nation*, and our flexibility is part of our success.
*In February of 2002, Adweek ranked us 40th out of the top 50 North American Web Development Firms
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Step 1: Define
We start by figuring out your needs and goals so that we can create a site that does exactly what you require. We also access how long each step should take, and what it will most likely cost. Together, we do the following:
Identify parameters, including site audience
Determine the information architecture
Identify functional goals and requirements
Identify and gather content such as:
Branding, corporate identity
Company culture
Products - images, features and benefits
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Step 2: Design
The architecture is identified for specific pages, page formats and content resources. The site plan is mapped and approved by RAAi and client teams. As the site plan is solidified, we begin the graphical design.
We create multiple initial design concepts that demonstrate different looks and feels, but incorporate the same navigation schema. These designs are created as flat graphics and are not yet fully functional. After the client selects one concept, we create a primary page and a detail page to show the lower-level navigation and content differentiation.
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Step 3: Develop
Final designs and graphic components are created so the Graphical User Interface (GUI) is ready to be made functional. Content is generated and prepared for incorporation to the pages. Meta data, such as page titles and key words, is optimized for search engines. Revision cycles can be implemented if new criteria are identified.
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Step 4: Deploy
The site goes through a final quality assurance prior to launch in which we proofread and test everything to ensure that it all works properly. In the event the site will be staged and hosted under our control, we prepare the server, stage the site and move it to its deployment home.
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