Doing Web-Based Communications Right—Part 3 of 3

September 19th, 2008

In this post, part 3 of 3, we will pick up where we left off with Doing Web-Based Communications Right.  As you may recall, in part one we talked about:

• Purpose
• Guiding Principles
• and Desired Outcome

In part two we talked about:

• Brainstorming
• and Orgranizing Tasks

At this point your purpose, principles, and outcomes are well defined and brainstorming has identified large parts of the project that have been broken down into smaller tasks. Most likely you have not uncovered every task for this project as more will “pop-up” when you actually begin the process.

So what now? Schedule and Budget.

Now you determine two other key components. The first is schedule.

• How quickly does this project need to become a reality?
• Is the timeline open-ended? Meaning done when its done.

The shorter the time-frame the more likely you will need more people to accomplish your goals. If your project is large and your timeframe tight, you will need more people to meet your deadline. Expect that to affect the other item we will mention, budget.

Your budget will impact the ability to make your project a reality. Timeline and scope will determine if your budget is adequate. Be sure to have a budget and be prepared to scale down your expectations if you find that you cannot afford what you want.

Getting to it.

So now you are ready to roll. You have your project scoped, a timeline expetation and a budget. What now?

You may attempt to complete the project in-house if you have the requisite skillset to complete the project. Otherwise you will be looking for an outside specialist, or professional to assist you in making your project a reality.

It is always wise to consult with someone about your project when you have a lack of knowledge or expertise. Even though the Internet is full of content and information, the time you spend searching, reading and distilling could be spent doing something profitable. Be sure to weigh the investment of time if you are thinking about the “do-it-yourself” approach.

Hope you find this 3 part series helpful and as always, let us know if you have any questions.

Doing Web-Based Communications Right—Part 2 of 3

September 8th, 2008

In this post, part 2 of 3, we will pick up where we left off on Doing Web-Based Communications Right.  As you may recall, in part one we talked about:

• Purpose
• Guiding Principles
• and Desired Outcome

At this point in the process, you should know what purpose your project serves, what rules you are going to play by, and what wild success looks like.

What’s next?

Brainstorm

Now is the time to think about all the components your project will encompass.  These components will most likely be the top-level parts of your project.  For example, if your web-based communication project is a web site, your brainstorm may produce items like:

• domain name
• web hosting
• content development
  • writing
  • images
• visual design
• customer database
• search engine optimization

The idea here is to think about as many possibilities as you can—impose no limits on your thinking.

Once you have completed Brainstorming the next step is to Organize Tasks.

Organize Tasks

At this step you breakdown the top-level components into specific tasks that will move the project forward. Every task should be executable. If something you are looking at is too abstract, as in you can’t actually perform the task, you need to break it down further. One key is to write each task as if a person was only going to see that task AND they are only 5 years old.

“Create report for meeting” is not going to cut it when you look at it alone. What report? What meeting?

To continue using the example above I will take the first item from the Brainstorm list.

Domain Name

1. Decide on the spelling of domain name by listing at least 5 choices in descending order
2. Go online to www.instantdomainsearch.com and type in your choices
3. Select one domain name and purchase it
4. Print and file copies of all contact and registration information

I think from this example above you get the idea.

So from here you have completed the process of defining your project and what it will take to get it done. What’s next?

That will be in our next installment, Part 3 of 3 of Doing Web-Based Communications Right.

Let me know what you think in the comments below.

DesignDetails – September 2008

September 3rd, 2008

Volume 02 // Number 08/09

August/September 2008

In this issue

1. Catching Up
2. Do You Own Your Domain Name?
3. Doing Web-Based Communications Right—Part 1 of 3
4. Find of the Month

Hi,

Catching Up.

Summer has gone by much too fast. Vacation was wonderful, the return not so wonderful Anyhow, things overall are going well here. Let’s get to it, here is DesignDetails.

Do You Own Your Domain Name?

This is an important question to find an answer to. When you or your company setup your website, how did you get your domain name?
Read More »

Doing Web-Based Communications Right—Part 1 of 3

Large corporations and well-funded start ups have the bankroll to build web communications with large amounts of research and planning. There are teams of people working on tasks such as…
Read More »

Finally, Find of the Month

Every month I share an Internet destination that has some application to doing business, getting things done, or just plain cool. This month it’s a cool one. A friend shared this video with me a while back, and I’ve been holding on to it. It’s a video on the TED web site. TED: Technology, Entertainment, Design is an annual conference that brings together fascinating thinkers and doers. This video from Jill Bolte Taylor is worth the 18 minute viewing time.

Wrap up

That’s it for this month of DesignDetails. Let me know if you have any questions about any of this content. I always welcome questions and feedback to make this of value to you.

Are you facing a challenge or have a question relating to the Internet? Please share. I can answer your questions and share with everyone.

If you like this e-newsletter, consider forwarding to a friend. Thanks for spreading the word.

Do you know someone in need of expert help or advice with web communications? I always welcome your referrals of friends, colleagues, and family. And let me know if you welcome referrals as well.

I’ll talk to you again next month.

Bert Mahoney AIGA
Publisher, DesignDetails
Principal + Creative Director
HamiltonBerchman Design Group, Inc.
Director of Internet Strategy and Services
AIGA Santa Barbara

AIGA | the professional association for design