Breaking Down a Project: Part 2

The next stage—the technical stage—is all about development of the website. 0:00 The workflow for this section depends on the complexity of the project. 0:05 In some cases, you'll have to build a WordPress site 0:09 and in others you will need to build a custom solution in Ruby on Rails. 0:11 Like our earlier stages, let's break the stage down into simpler tasks, as well. 0:16 If the client requires any custom solutions, start by building out the necessary frameworks. 0:21 Get the basic stuff up and running before you move on to the coding of any specific pages. 0:27 Next, code up all the templates for the basic pages that you mocked up during the design stage. 0:32 In the previous stage, we coded up the design. 0:37 Here, we add in all the functionality. 0:40 After that, if the client desires any interactive features on the website, start adding it in. You're almost there. 0:43 One of the last steps, but equally as important once you've done coding of the website 0:50 is to load all the content in. 0:54 Now, this content should have been provided by the client or copywriter beforehand. 0:57 Again, this is clearly a dependency for the completion of the project 1:01 and should have been indicated on your proposal so that the client has sufficient time to get the information to you. 1:04 Once you're done with the creation of the website, it's time to test everything. 1:11 Go through every single page on the site, testing all functionality and proofing all design and copy. 1:15 Make sure everything works as it's meant to. 1:21 Your site map should help you navigate the site and make sure you cover every page that you created. 1:23 Now, that should cover the development stage for most projects. 1:29 You still have one final stage left before you're somewhat done with the project. 1:32 This stage has a collection of tasks that can be termed "pre-launch." 1:36 Again, depending on the project, tasks will vary, 1:40 but in general they comprise of the following duties: 1:43 Cleaning up—after the development phase, 1:47 give the client another review period. 1:49 Once you hear the feedback, take this time out to clean up even more. 1:52 Make final changes. If you have planned out your time properly, this cleaning up period makes a big difference to the client's satisfaction. 1:56 If you have a tight deadline, you should still make some time to get the client's feedback and to implement any last changes. 2:04 Then, you go live. This entire time you've been working in a development environment. 2:11 Now that the project is complete, it's time to put it on a live server. 2:16 This gives you and the client a chance to test it live and allows you to complete the next step, which is browser testing. 2:20 With lots of different browsers out there, you need to make sure 2:27 the website looks good and functions as intended across all browsers and platforms. 2:30 This may not mean identical functionality and aesthetics in every situation, 2:36 but make sure things aren't breaking. 2:39