Web Development
Overview
Building a Web site is the process of organizating information attractively in a Web-compatible format. The process typically has six main chronological components: content development, site design, site build, testing, launch, and maintenance, all of which are offered by Moonlight Multimedia. Please see below for details about each, and e-mail us if you require any or all of the services described.
Content Development
In most cases, conveying information is the primary purpose of a Web site, so organizing that information should be the first step in the process. An outline structure can be very helpful with regard to setting up menu system, with the goal of keeping the site to two or three "layers" (e.g., you're currently on the third layer of this site: Home>Services>Web Development). In addition, reading on the Web can be more fatiguing than reading print, so clear, concise language is paramount. When it comes to using words on the Web, less is more.
Web Design
Designs are created to attract the eye without distracting the mind from the site's purpose. At Moonlight Multimedia, designs are kept simple and the user interface (UI) focuses on intuitive navigation and readability. Visual flourishes, such as icons, illustrations, and images, are employed to highlight information and otherwise enhance the site's purpose.
Web Building
Once you are satisfied with the design, the site will need to be built. This entails rendering the design and content using code that is readable by Web browsers (e.g. HTML, PHP, etc), developing any necessary databases, and more. Moonlight Multimedia can work with any design, whether it was created by us, by you, or by a third party.
Testing
The next step in site development is to work through every page and functionality of the site to make sure everything works smoothly. Once the site is thoroughly tested and it is determined that everything is working, it's time for launch.
Launch
If Moonlight Multimedia is hosting your site, or development and testing were carried out on your server, this is a simple process. If Moonlight Multimedia hosts during development and testing, the process is a little more involved, requiring the transfer of all site files to your server. Once the launch is complete, a final test will be performed to make sure everything still works as expected.
Maintanence
Maintanence involves everything from updating the site to troubleshooting any issues that arise. There are various ways to reduce or simplify maintanence needs, e.g. building forms that allow content updates via your Web browser.
Additional Web Services
Moonlight Multimedia's Web services extend beyond those required for site development and maintenance. Additional services include:
- Install and customize or build content management systems
- Install and/or customize gallery freeware
- Install and/or customize forums
- E-mail forms
- Content updating forms
- Embed Google Earth or Maps and geotagged photos, videos, etc
If you have a specific idea in mind and don't see it listed above, please don't hesitate to ask about it.
