Define - Always define clearly what the project needs to achieve. Always consider your users' goals throughout. Don't forget to research your competition.

Creativity - Use creative brainstorming to help enhance the project's originality to shape the user's experience.

Design - Time after time, studies and research have proved that good design is crucial. "What is beautiful is usable" (N. Tractinsky, A. S. Katz and D. Ikar).

Usability - Don't underestimate usability. Designing sitemaps, prototypes and good interfaces will make or break the project.

Accessibility - In the UK it is a legal requirement for websites to be accessible to disabled people since October 1999. Take all possible steps to ensure accessibility

Copywriting - Copywriting for Interactive devices is different to writing for print. Also, don't forget to Search Engine Optimise your copy at a very early stage.

Technology - Create a specifications document at the initial stage of the project so stake holders are aware of the functions and technology platform

QA Testing - Perform quality assurance methods as early as possible to test all functions, databases and the technology limits of your project.

User Testing - Always user test, and get users opinion as early as possible. Get real users involved in the process and reward them accordingly.

Delegate - Don't try and do everything yourself. Choose the right partners who specialise in certain fields. To make money you need to spend money...

Marketing - If you need traffic driven to your website, always form an online marketing plan. Use Analytics to learn about user behaviour, which search engines users are coming from and where the conversions are taking place.

Author:
Danny Bluestone, Director of Cyber-Duck Ltd: Creative Web Design Experts

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