Our Web Site Design Philosophy
Every Web design firm or designer has a philosophy when it
comes to their work, and Austin DesignWorks is no exception. We
have a set of basic principles that guide us through the process
of designing and developing Web sites for our clients. We believe
these principles serve us, and our customers, well today and will
continue to do so in the future.
Our guiding principles...
- Make it easy to navigate
All Web sites should have logical, concise, clear navigation.
We suspect not following this simple rule is what dooms most Web
sites because in ignoring or overlooking it, Web designers forget
a very important thing: If people can't find what they're looking
for on a site, they won't come back.
- Make it look good and unique, but avoid clutter
A Web site should look great and unique to each client, but cluttering
it up with lots of glitzy Web bling (animations, java applets, Flash
graphics, etc.) isn't a good idea. It's too easy for the purpose and/or
message of a site to get lost in the shuffle. And it adds unnecessary
load time to the site.
- Make it function smoothly, but keep the code lean
A Web site should function as designed, but the code that runs it
should be as lean and clean as possible to keep page sizes down and
load times fast. To that end, HTML-generating software should be
avoided in favor of hand-coding to curb code bloat.
- Make it fast
Speed is still everything on the Internet and Web designers should
crunch load times down to the bare minimum through streamlined
use and size of graphics and lean code. Many people out there are
still on dialup!
- Make it compatible
There is more than one Web browser and operating system in use on
the planet and it is wise to make a Web site function properly and
look correctly in as many as possible. You never know who is looking!
- Design & build with search engines in mind
Search Engine Optimization techniques should be applied in the architecture
and structure of the site from the outset and factored into the initial
cost estimate, not considered an after thought or add-on service. This
will ultimately save the client time and money that would be better
spent on premium services such as content development, keyword/keyword
phrase research and analysis, and marketing and promotion efforts.
- Design with the future in mind
A Web site should be designed with expandability and adaptability in mind,
with the goal of increasing the site's structural longevity and making
future changes and enhancements easy to enact and cost-effective for the
client.
- Embrace Web Standards
Adherence to Web Standards enables a designer to follow and enact the
guidelines and principles above. Designer MUST keep abreast of standards
and compliance by major browsers and strike a balance between each to
the client's benefit.
- Make it affordable and the design process enjoyable
Affordable doesn't mean substandard. Work within client's budget to meet
their needs with the highest level of quality designer is capable. Do not
inflate costs to increase the bottom line. Treat client with respect and
dignity and make the design process as enjoyable as possible. A happy
client is an invaluable asset!
- Provide quality service after the sale
After designing and launching a Web site, stand ready to assist client
with maintenance and updates to their site in a timely manner, and
provide them an affordable way for you to do so.
Learn more about...
» Web Design Services
» Web Hosting Services
» Website Maintenance Services
» Website Redesign & Makeovers
» Search Engine Optimization Services
» Search Engine Submission Service
» Domain Registration
» Web Template Creation Service
» WordPress Installation & Custom Template Creation Service
» Custom Blogger Templates
» Forum Install & Custom Templates Service
» Custom Logo Design Services
» Graphic Design for Print Services
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