Web developer John December has created a model for web development with a process-orientated methodology designed to assist web developers when creating content or developing a website.
John’s methodology is based on the idea that web development can incorporate many different areas of key skills. In his model, John talks of six key processes and six web elements that combine together when developing a website.
The six key processes are: Planning, Analysis, Design, Implementation, Promotion and Innovation.
Planning: This is the process of determining the overall goals for the website. These goals include the purpose and objectives of the project and the target audience it will be aimed at. The planning process also involves determining how the supporting information will be gathered and how it will be updated going forward. It will also include ascertaining which particular skills are required for the different areas of constructing the website. For instance, if the design specification requires a forms interface, the web implementer would need to possess the necessary skills in HTML. At this point, any other resources necessary for the development will also need to be identified.
Analysis: This refers to the process of gathering and comparing information about the website with a view to improving performance where possible. Information must be gathered about the level of technical interest from the audience for instance, as this would have an impact on what information is provided to the user about a specific topic. The contents of competitors’ websites must also be analysed on a progressive basis. The web analyst gathers information to aid in the decision making process of each of the other processes.
Design: A web designer would use the web specification to decide on how the components should be constructed. The process of designing the website involves taking into account the purpose and objectives as well as the target audience and domain information. The web designer will need a good understanding of how the web structures will affect the audience and should ensure content displayed is aesthetically pleasing but also productive in terms of achieving the intended results.
Implementation: This is the process of actually building the website, often using HTML coding. Web structures must be encoded in a formal language within the files. Templates can be used for supporting a consistent and incorporating a brand identity and style. Implementation would need to be checked in various different browsers to ensure compatibility.
Promotion: This is the public relations area of web development. It can involve forming business or information relationships with other websites. It may also involve raising awareness of the website among online communities and also incorporating marketing strategies and business models.
Innovation: This is the process of ensuring the website continues to grow and develop and includes monitoring new technologies and advancements that might be useful and finding new ways to engage with the audience. The process might also involve usability studies to determine how the information is being used and what the user expectations are.