How do you plan your next website?

[travislayne]

I have been doing much research on how websites are planned, but I want to gather information from the web design community.

How are you planning your next website? What methods do you use to map out your site? What is your focus on while you're designing?

Basically, how do you prefer to plan?

[Maja]

Hi!

Way back I was designing in my head, then on paper. Thinking a lot. Drawing a lot. And I was always afraid, that I'm not going to have any good idea. But after a few sites (and a lot of designs) I realised that it much more quicker and effictive if a start my design staight away in Photoshop. I have a few concepts in the beginning (color, some text, pictures). I start with them and the ideas just starting to come and all I have to do is just follow them! And the design just created by itself! I'm just the tool!

Maja

[Koolkrasher]

For me it all depends on what kind of site I am doing. If it is for a client than what i suggest is taking some time and shadowing them to get a better feel for what they do and how they do it in order to have your design reflect your clients business.

What I usually do is spend time with the client talk about the business and how it operates. Ask about their clients so you have a demograph to start with and then let the creative juices flow.

Dont hold back the world is your canvas. You dont have to jump rite into photoshop or fireworks. Take your time and work out some sketches first. Decide what kind of elements you want to incorporate into your design and then begin to execute.

I usually do a lot of sketching and comps on paper first before i even think about opening photoshop. By doing this i can create multiple design concept fast and efficiently. If i create multiple mock ups in photoshop and not like any of them then i just wasted a lot of time.

Dont be in a rush to pump out one digital design after another this is what will improve your skills as a designer and also improve time management and detail overall.

Well sorry for the rant. This is how i do things very detail oriented and meticulous.

Hope it helped.