Designing a website can be a very alien thing to many clients and so Myo Neuromarketing has put together this guide for clients so that they understand the process, what to provide to their developer and (perhaps more importantly) what not to provide so that the generation of the site runs smoothly.

This paper will focus on the generation of the website template.

The template is a standard by which all pages on a website will operate.

It needs to be flexible enough for pages to be added and removed without too much (sometimes expensive) re-designing / reprogramming.

Naturally there will be some pages (like the homepage) that you will not want to remove, so these kinds of pages will probably be linked within the template design itself.

The template begins with creating a graphic in a program like Photoshop.

This is only a visual representation of a website… not a website itself.

It has no functionality at all, so don’t be surprised when the links don’t work.

At this stage everything is up for grabs, you can change anything you like.

HOWEVER!..

You need to make sure that you only tell the website designer what you and they NEED to hear, otherwise you will be wasting everyone’s time.

This is essential… there are several things that you SHOULD consider and several things that can be ignored at this stage.

Important points to consider are:

1)      Colour

1.       If you don’t mention colour at this stage, it is very hard to change if you proceed to the actual build of the website.

This will probably cost you money to rectify the issue.

2)      General layout.

1.       If you want the introduction of curves or swooshes, gradient etc then this is the time to mention it.

If you think things should be moved / re-scaled, now is the time to say so.

3)      Images integral to the design of the site

1.       It’s key to consider whether the images are central to the design of the site or not.

If they look like a box, placed in a standard place, they are probably able to be changed later.

If they overlap something, you might want to mention it if you want it changed.

2.       Website designers usually use un-paid for stock images to create a visual (because you will probably change your mind).

However these are called “place holders” and just give a general gist.

3.       If in doubt whether something is central to the design, say so anyway.

 Things that are easy to replace / do not need mentioning at this stage include:

 1)      Text not central to the design

1.       This includes content itself (most developers use something called “Lorem Ipsum” which is a dummy text, used in printing and layout processes to show what a body of text will look like.

This is similar in look to Latin, but is just nonsense used by the industry.

It is to give an idea of aesthetics only and no comment should be passed on it at this time.

It will be removed as you provide content.

2.       Font, colour & size or text should also be ignored unless central to the design (see above).

3.       If something looks like it has one or more of the following elements applied to it, and you want it changed on the final design, mention it at this stage:

1.       A bevel, where the text looks like a 3D element (either jutting out or recessed)

2.       A gradient where the colour is not constant… this may mean the text is an image

3.       The text over-laps an image / layout element

2)      Images not central to the design

1.       These can be replaced easily later and changing them at this stage will hold up the project

3)      Telephone numbers / inaccurate information / spelling

1.       By all means keep a note, but these can easily be rectified later – and probably will be.

2.       As the website stops being a graphic, it is easier to check for spelling errors etc.

Based on your comments, the designer may get to designing another option.

Please bear in mind that any example websites that you provided the designer may be unsuitable for your needs.

Perhaps your site is more or less technically demanding, has more options or is in a different sector.

Your design should not be a clone.

If their site is providing significantly more or less information than your site, the design needs to be altered to maximise space. By definition, straight lines are the best way, but if you want to soften it, there are ways to do that too – smooth curves might be one way, but this will lower download times as you will need to use graphics to do it.

As I said… The images are placeholders only, they can (and will) be replaced.

If you think the designer has missed anything else… anything… just mention it and they will tell you whether it needs to be taken note of or not.

The main questions to ask yourself are:

Are you happy with the over-all design (as outlined above)? You can fine-tune it (you usually need to) but is the basic layout agreeable or would you prefer to do something else entirely?

The key is; if in doubt… ask!

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