If you want to know your future, look into your present actions.”
- Padmasambhava, Buddhist philosopher
Where you are today determines where you will be tomorrow. In order to have an impact on this equation, you must be conscious of both your current actions and your future goals.
The same concept applies to a website. In order to build a successful site, you must create a roadmap. A roadmap will help guide your creative decisions. Drafting these ideas is very similar to creating a marketing plan. In fact, you should approach this stage of design with a marketing-mindset.
1. Define your product.
Ex. A presidential hopeful for the 2008 elections
A graphic designer looking for freelance opportunities
A Recycled Cotton-Acrylic Blend Knit Tie manufacturer
2. Define your objectives.
Ex. Increase awareness of political campaign
Display portfolio to prospective clients
Increase business revenue with online storefront
3. Define your user.
Ex. Age: 41 – 55
Income: 80 – 120k/ annual
Sex: Male
Status: Married
Location: America, Midwest
Computer skill: Limited
Existing relationship: Very little preexisting relationship with the product
Personality: Conservative
4. Define the user’s current perception of the product.
Ex. Unaware of potential candidate, yet similar political views
An oversaturated market of designers; few stand out
Ties are standard business/ formalwear
Now that you’ve made a list, you can begin to see paths emerge. The paths may lead you to focus development on particular sections of your site.
