My approach to designing and implementing a web site
A web site consists of:
A collection of pages, linked together by a navigation system and located on a computer known as a server connected to the Internet from which the pages can be downoaded on demand and viewed in an Internet browser. Usually each page consists of a main file with all the text and browser instructions (HTML or XHTML) and separately linked images and styling sheets.
There are also pages that are assembled 'on the fly' from data in a database, however these are outside my scope as I don't possess a server.
Procedures
Clear, simple procedures need to be agreed to ensure the creation of your site with minimum effort, minimum errors, and ensure your site is kept up to date. See the website roadmap.
It is important that the web pages are kept up to date. Contact information, prices and events are particularly sensitive to being kept up to date, and someone should be responsible for directing the necessary revisions through to me.
Maximum use can be made of electronic copies of office documents prepared for some other use, converted to code and appropriately processed. This minimises copying errors and typing. The conversion method (usually by me) depends on software format of the original document.
Whatever the procedure for updating the pages, the necessary changes to the web site should only be carried out by those trained to do so. Some simple changes can be carried out by an appropriate person within your organisation under supervision; more ambitious changes require the web page designer at least in the early stages until the person gains the necessary expertise.
You should keep a single master copy of the web site located on a designated computer. Changes to web pages can be implemented here and tested off-line on before uploading the revised files to the web site. The master copy needs to be identified and controlled. Re-testing after uploading is essential as some errors are not detectable locally.
I offer:
- To develop with you an identity and structure for your pages, including colours, styles, logos.
- To prepare and test a set of web pages with appropriate links and styles for your approval. (If I am working for free I expect the end user to share the final testing of the site)
- To create or modify simple images for navigation aids, diagrams or logos in AI, CDR, CNV or XAR formats and convert to an appropriate optimised web image.
- To take take images in CPT, CNV, GIF, JPG, PNG, PSD, PSP, RIF and TIF formats and crop, size, repair, remove Moiré then convert to an appropriate web image.
- Convert windows-based documents in plain text, rich text format, Word, WordPerfect or Indesign formats into HTML for use in web pages or PDF documents. I can use Indesign to convert Quark documents up to release 4. NB images used in the document should be supplied separately.
- Translate data from Access, Excel or Paradox databases into web page tables.
- Create data entry forms for paper or electronic transmission.
- Create rollovers, drop-down menus and other simple JavaScript based functions
- Create simple animations
- Create static catalogues, shopping baskets
- Prepare updates to existing pages (subject to agreement)
- Return web pages/updates to client by e-mail attachment or upload to FTP site where permitted and agreed
- Provide guidance on maintaining web sites
Sometimes I may offer:
In certain circumstances I may be able to offer:
- Guest books, message boards and discussion boards if ISP supports CGI with PERL 5
- Ongoing maintenance of sites I have created
I don't offer:
- Online database design (ASP etc.)
- In house chat rooms
- Electronic financial transactions
- Multimedia effects
- Registering with search engines, publicising the site
- Monitoring the site to ensure it remains up to date
- Uploads to ISP's with proprietary browsers such as AOL
- Maintenance of sites designed by others
What I expect in return
- The copy for web pages to be provided in an appropriate electronic format.
- An acknowledgement on the site of my services and link to my site.
- Client responses to be co-ordinated.
- The web site to be kept in a good state of repair by the agreed procedures. Someone in the organisation to be nominated and to be proactive in the maintenance of their site.
- To be informed by you of any shortcomings of the site by an agreed procedure.
