As a software developer, we focused on process a lot in school, learning about serveral different types of processes from more traditional to agile. No matter what your profession is, it’s likely that you have your own process for a project. The process is important because it helps you more quickly get into a comfort zone for the project, making you more productive. Today we are going to take a look at mine.

First I like to layout everything I need to do for a project. Most commonly, it’s design and WordPress setup, which I break down into these steps:

• Choose a color scheme
• Mock Up a design
• Install WordPress
• Convert the mock up to a WordPress theme
• Install applicable plugins
• Add the content
• Launch

I’ll usually go to Adobe’s Kuler or Color Scheme Designer and find a good color scheme based on the client’s logos and branding. Once I have that it’s time to start the mock-ups, which I will sketch out on paper first. I’ll sketch one for every major page (home page, content page, product page, etc.) and then move right to XHTML/CSS. I used to do Photoshop mock-ups first, but found that my limited photoshop skills would limit my designs, and I’d change them when it was time to code them up anyway. It’s much quicker for me, as well as more accurate to make changes in coded mock-ups. When doing the coding, I will look at what areas need to be punched up and add supplementary imaging.

Once I send the mock-ups to the client for approval, I will do some tasks that don’t rely on client feedback, like installing WordPress on the server. Once the mock-ups get approved I will convert them to a WordPress theme and the rest is smooth sailing. I’ll install and configure any plugins, fill in the content and  then hand over the site over for final approval before launch.

Like I said earlier, getting into this process helps me get comfortable with the project more quickly. I become more efficient with what I do and can churn out a website faster because I’ve predefined everything I have to do.

What is your process? Fill out the contact form and let me know and I’ll publish it here. If you’re something other than a web developer (or use Photoshop mock-ups in your process), even better (include your profession).

Tags: articles, clients, process, side projects, tips, tools | Posted in Advice |