Most successful web design projects are organized into a system of milestones with each one representing a critical piece of the project. This is one of our best practices here at MetaDesign Web Solutions. It ensures that all bases are covered and minimizes the risks and errors.

Phase 1

1. Project Setup: The project has been setup in activeCollab and is ready for client interaction.
2. Client On-Boarded: The client has been contacted about the project procedure and given access to the project management system (activeCollab). The client completes a quick survey so that we can get more details about their objectives.
3. Collateral Collected: All essential marketing and creative collateral has been collected from the client. Collateral can include logos, graphics, brochures, literature and content.
4. Site Map Completed: An inventory of any existing content has been created and the site map for the new site finalized. Furthermore, the client has reviewed and approved the site map.
5. Wireframes Approved: Wireframes have been completed for at least the homepage and a single subpage, and the client has reviewed and approved them.

Phase 2

1. Initial Mock-Ups Created: The first mock-ups for at least the homepage and a single subpage have been designed and shown to the client.
2. Final Mock-ups Created: Based on client feedback, the mock-ups have been finalized and accepted.
3. Site Shells Created: A site shell is what we call a static page that has been coded from the design. This is completed when all of the HTML, CSS and JavaScript has been written and checked for errors.
4. Content Management System Setup: Server space has been partitioned and the CMS of choice (e.g. Wordpress or Joomla) has been installed and configured.
5. Initial Prototype Developed: The site shells have been integrated with the CMS and all of the content pages have been setup.
6. Content Delivered: The content needed for the web site has been finalized and received from either the client or a copywriter, and is ready for insertion.
7. Final Prototype Available: A working prototype of the web site complete with content has been finalized and is ready for client review.

Phase 3

1. Client Review Completed: The client has thoroughly reviewed the final prototype and has provided a list of changes to complete before launch.
2. Client Changes Addressed: The changes provided by the client have either been addressed or completed to the client’s satisfaction.
3. Site Compatibility Confirmed: The prototype has been confirmed to work with all major browsers and operating systems. Any problems have been fixed or resolved.
4. Pre-Launch Review Completed: A review for any lingering errors and problems has been done and the site has been cleared for launch.
5. Site Launched: All actions needed to launch the site have been completed and it is working properly on the domain name.
6. Post-Launch Review Completed: An additional review for errors and problems has been completed and any necessary fixes applied.
7. Client Training Conducted: Training necessary for the client to properly update their site via the CMS has been completed.