[08.05.11]

Part 3 is all about bringing an effective website together, testing and launching. This final phase is all about taking an effective website design and converting it into a fully functional "live" website.

What is web development?

Web development is so much more than throwing some html and css at a canvas. Html, css and javascript can't do it all. For websites with dynamic functionality (this could be any function; from a blog to an online application), server-side languages such as .php, .NET, Ruby on Rails need to be considered before beginning development. Security issues such as financial transactions on an eCommerce site need to be addressed. No one wants their customer's information compromised. Implementing these technologies to make your website do more than sit there, but actually function, is the final step to making your website work.

I won't bore you with a long list of names and terms you haven't heard before, but this stage is where your website comes alive. The design is in place, development is completed, what's next?

Test, TEST, TEST!!!

You wouldn't expect a drug company to launch a new medecine without testing it right? Well the same goes for an effective website. Testing can range from browser compatibility & functionality to user group testing and A/B testing.

User testing

Yes, it is just what it sounds like. Before launch, a group of website users not associated with the project will be given access to the website so they can use it as everyone else soon will be. This is a great way for web design and development teams to see how average users react, use and act on different elements of the site. Things such as how usable is the site, does it work on all operating systems in all browsers, actions taken etc... will be observed. Any issues need to be addressed at this point. After all, the user experience is the most important factor in an effective website.

A/B testing

A/B testing is another user oriented part of the development process, but has nothing to do with functionality. It has to do with messaging. It is about segmenting several groups of users and showing them different calls to actions. One group may respond better than another and takes action due to the messaging on that page. Fine tuning your website to get the most out of it will be well worth the time & effort.

Summing it up

Design & development go hand in hand. One cannot live without the other when it comes to building a great website that your users will love, which in turn is great for your business. Building great websites is much MUCH more than purchasing a site template and throwing it at the web. Learn about your customers, design a site that speaks to them and you will soon find that your business see positive results from this process.