When thinking about developing a website, web design documentation planning is an important part of that process.
Documentation is useful in visually planning the website while thinking about the purpose, audience and content, the site structure design as well as the interactions that are most suitable for the website.
Web design documentation can be considered an initial prototype for the website - a model that allows the website layout to be reviewed which can result in suggested changes, enhancements and/or improvements.
The likelihood of success of the website increases dramatically when this review process is used.
Developing the information architecture is the first step in developing the documentation.
This is where the content is categorised and the information structure is formulated.
A site map is typically put together that provides a visual representation of the information structure.
This shows how the web pages and/or content will be interconnected to each other.
It also may help in deciding what content will be placed on which web page.
A storyboard may also be used during the documentation process.
With a storyboard, the layout and interface of the individual pages are planned.
A record is made of the purpose, description and title of each page on the website.
They are then linked together according to the most logical and effective diagram type.
Web design documentation methods may include pieces of paper and drawing lines to connect them with each other.
Another method is by using computer software to create the storyboard.
The final step in the web design documentation process is to create a website wireframe.
This allows the individual pages to be designed in greater detail by using a mock up model or comprehensive layout of what each page will actually look like.
This is typically done with a layout design program or graphic design program.
There is actually no functionality in the wireframe, only planning.
Although, it can be used to sell ideas to other web design companies.
Creating web design documentation is an important part of the entire website design.
When done properly, the possibility of success of your website increases exponentially.
Documentation is useful in visually planning the website while thinking about the purpose, audience and content, the site structure design as well as the interactions that are most suitable for the website.
Web design documentation can be considered an initial prototype for the website - a model that allows the website layout to be reviewed which can result in suggested changes, enhancements and/or improvements.
The likelihood of success of the website increases dramatically when this review process is used.
Developing the information architecture is the first step in developing the documentation.
This is where the content is categorised and the information structure is formulated.
A site map is typically put together that provides a visual representation of the information structure.
This shows how the web pages and/or content will be interconnected to each other.
It also may help in deciding what content will be placed on which web page.
A storyboard may also be used during the documentation process.
With a storyboard, the layout and interface of the individual pages are planned.
A record is made of the purpose, description and title of each page on the website.
They are then linked together according to the most logical and effective diagram type.
Web design documentation methods may include pieces of paper and drawing lines to connect them with each other.
Another method is by using computer software to create the storyboard.
The final step in the web design documentation process is to create a website wireframe.
This allows the individual pages to be designed in greater detail by using a mock up model or comprehensive layout of what each page will actually look like.
This is typically done with a layout design program or graphic design program.
There is actually no functionality in the wireframe, only planning.
Although, it can be used to sell ideas to other web design companies.
Creating web design documentation is an important part of the entire website design.
When done properly, the possibility of success of your website increases exponentially.
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