A website design project can typically be broken down into 3 stages: Planning, Design and Development. Each stage represents approximately one-third of the entire timeline of a project. A website design and development timeline ‘rule of thumb’ is 90 to 120 working days from beginning to launch. This applies to an average (approximately 30-page) website and does not include custom programming. Custom programming or shopping carts require longer timelines.

Here is a list of the three main stages and their specific tasks:

1. Website Planning
   1. Create an outline of the site content
   2. Create functional flow chart
   3. Document programmatic flow
   4. Gather general information including samples, style guides, images and graphic files
   5. Gather or begin writing content
   6. Create ‘wireframe’ layouts of key pages showing the position of content and graphics on pages (See Sample)
2. Website Design
   1. Create color layouts based on approved ‘wireframe’ layouts (See Sample)
   2. Shoot photography or research stock photography
   3. Develop graphics
   4. Create style guide of colors and fonts for site development
   5. Develop storyboards for Flash animations or demos (if needed)
3. Website Development
   1. Develop style sheets
   2. Develop Web page templates
   3. Programming