Website design directions

Explain your offer and take enquiries

A first website project can cover the pages needed to explain your offer, a form and one place to receive enquiries. The page list, language and form fields depend on what a visitor needs to do.

The work includes checking that a test enquiry reaches the receiving system, not just that the form displays a success message. We also need to know what happens when a submission fails or its result is unclear. A client portal, payments and extra connections are not part of this starting version.

Give clients a place to check their information

A portal can show clients the status and details of their own requests. A first version can focus on one type of record from one source, with access limited to the people allowed to see it.

This version is for viewing. Documents, editing, approvals and payments need to be included explicitly if the task depends on them. We also need someone responsible for the information and a way to grant, recover and remove access. A sign-in screen alone does not settle those questions.

Work out the process before building an app

If people need to change records or approve work but the process is still unclear, a focused review can help. It follows one task and sets out what could work, what remains unknown and whether an existing tool is enough.

The result is a written recommendation, not an app or prototype. A separate review is unnecessary when the requirements are already clear. We should not leave you with half a process just to keep the first project small.

Already have a website, or need a store?

A problem with an existing form may need a repair rather than a new site. An online store is a different scope: product pages, payments and stock updates need their own requirements. New branding is also separate from applying your current visual style.

About the visual directions

The directions above illustrate styles to discuss. They show a design direction, not evidence that a working system has been delivered. Features still need their own scope. Choosing an example can help explain what you like, but it is optional.

What we need to discuss

Tell us what people need to do, what you use now and which materials you already have. We can then work out the pages or views, the source of information and the right way to check the result.

The quote needs to separate the initial work, outside service costs and any ongoing support. Dates depend on the agreed work, the inputs and availability. These starting options are not a fixed-price package.

You can start with a written question, without a technical brief, passwords or customer records.