Posted On 11/06/2016 By admin

Selecting the correct artifacts to effectively design a website, no matter who the client, greatly depends on the team and what is required for this team to work efficiently as a whole. The selected artifacts should piece together to build a pathway or create a narrative of the overall project that not only presents a visual to the development team, but also to the stakeholders. These visuals could take the form of posters and may include aspects of the project including design principles, questions, assumptions, task models, sketches, concepts, completed designs, customer/user profiles, etc. Artifacts are most effective when they remain in eyesight as a constant reminder of what is being worked on and why. Think of these as bits of a map or part of the project navigation system that details the who, what, where, when, why and how. Everyone will know their place and, will in turn, understand how interactions are to take place as well as the benefits of new or updated designs.

Top 5 artifacts for website design should express solutions to these essential areas as they are necessary for the website user interface.

1. Information architecture/site map
2. Page layout(s)
3. Page interaction(s) & controls
4. Visual/graphic design
5. Text & photo content

While these layers may intersect, and an artifact for each individual point may not be necessary due to redundancy, each of these points should be covered in one manner or another. Visuals are pertinent as these, in many cases, are the most effective way to communicate design – but should always link back to your business goals.

To increase the impact of the artifacts, these top 5 artifacts or artifact points, should meet at least 4 basic categories. Doing so increases the effectiveness of just about any design team.

1. Define context
2. Explain personas/user profiles
3. Represent design ideas
4. Document & share research findings

By creating artifacts that fit these categories and define these fundamental layers of design, your team will be well on their way to identifying and creating solutions to meet all your client, team, and business needs.

Need help designing your perfect website? Contact: info@zgworldwide.com

Author: Andy Aiyer, ZG Worldwide Consultant

http://profisolutions.com/top-5-artifacts-of-website-design/