Design

The primary focus of the design process is meeting the defined functional requirements. The location of each element on the screen has a well-defined objective. The use of color and other design elements reinforces the function of these elements. The result needs to meet a range of criteria including usability, accessibility, attractiveness, findability, credibility, value and usefulness.

Services related to Design include:

• Information architecture: translating the logical flow of information into a navigation model. The information architecture includes a tree structure in which we define the individual screens, the different information elements on these screens and the relations between them.
• Wireframes: based on the functionality and navigation on each screen, we make detailed drawings of individual screens. For each type of screen, we define the location of the functionalities, information and navigation. Wireframes are black-and-white, functional drawings much like the blueprints made by architects.
• Functional specification: a detailed breakdown of what each screen should do. This includes the logical flows between the screens and through the site. It allows the design team to communicate with the developers and others involved in the implementation process.
• Visual design: a graphic designer combines the wireframes and the corporate design guidelines into a visual design. He takes into account the re-use of design elements and the rules of usability.
• Style guide: in larger projects we document the design in a style guide. This (online) document defines the design rules and guidelines for all new online projects within the organization.