The short version:
Planning: We decide what needs to be kept or changed, get ideas from users, and plan the site’s layout.
Building: We design the look, construct the site, and test it to make sure it works on all devices.
Launching: After we start the new site, we watch it and keep tweaking it to make it even better.
The long version:
Redesigning an existing website involves a multi-step process that aims to improve the site’s design, functionality, usability, and performance while retaining or enhancing its core identity and values. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the typical process for redesigning a website:
- Goal Setting and Strategy Development:
- Define the goals for the redesign (e.g., improving user experience, updating visual design, increasing conversions).
- Audit the current website to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
- Research competitor websites and industry trends.
- Stakeholder and User Input:
- Gather feedback from stakeholders, users, and customers to understand their needs and preferences.
- Conduct surveys or interviews if necessary to gain insights.
- Content Audit and Strategy:
- Review and evaluate existing content for relevance, accuracy, and engagement.
- Plan and develop a content strategy for new or updated content, including text, images, and multimedia.
- Information Architecture and User Flows:
- Outline the structure of the new website, including a site map and how different pages will connect and flow from one to another.
- Redefine user journeys and navigation to improve the overall user experience.
- Wireframing and Prototyping:
- Create wireframes or low-fidelity sketches to outline the key elements and layout of the website.
- Build interactive prototypes to test and refine the design and user experience.
- Design:
- Design the visual elements, including layout, colour scheme, typography, and imagery that align with the brand identity.
- Produce high-fidelity mockups or design comps of the new website.
- User Experience (UX) Design:
- Refine the interface design, interactions, and user flow to enhance usability and accessibility.
- Development:
- Code the website, either from scratch or by updating the existing framework, incorporating responsive design to ensure the site works well on all devices.
- Implement new features, functionality, and integrations as required.
- Testing:
- Test the website for functionality, usability, performance, and compatibility across different browsers and devices.
- Conduct user testing with real users to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
- Feedback and Revisions:
- Gather feedback from stakeholders and target users on the prototype or development site.
- Make necessary revisions based on testing and feedback.
- Migration:
- Plan and execute the migration of content, users, databases, etc., if necessary.
- Ensure all old URLs are properly redirected to new URLs to maintain SEO value and prevent broken links.
- Launch:
- Prepare for launch through final checks and optimisations, such as SEO, performance enhancements, and security checks.
- Set a launch date and make the new design live on the server.
- Post-Launch Monitoring and Optimisation:
- Monitor the website for any technical issues and user feedback.
- Use analytics to track website performance against goals and make data-driven optimisations.
- Continuous Improvement:
- Based on analytics and user feedback, continue to iterate on the website, making improvements and updates as necessary.
Throughout each stage of the redesign process, it’s crucial to maintain strong communication and alignment with all parties involved, ensuring that the project stays on track and meets the strategic goals set at the outset.