Black Dragon Creative Services’ Design Process
.1 Define
After your initial contact and interest in our design services, we begin Phase 1 of the Design Process. In this phase, we begin gathering client info in detail. We then identify and study your target audience, doing a market analysis if deemed necessary.
We expand this information into a project plan, where we establish budget, style, technical needs, and create our schedule.
At this point, we outline the project goals and determine its scope. With this information, we prepare our proposal and present it to you.
After your approval, we will send you our contract. After we receive the necessary paperwork back from you and the required 50% down payment, we will begin your project.
*50% of total budget due
.2 Structure
Phase 2. We go over your existing content, if any. From this information, we create a roadmap to show the content layout. We also establish a delivery schedule for the client, so we receive content in a timely manner to keep the project moving forward.
Next, we begin laying down the foundation for your site. We create a sitemap—an overview of the organizational structure and content areas. We then develop wireframes and paper prototypes as needed, to help further define site structure.
Lastly, navigation is addressed, along with the names and labels for the sections within the site. Also, user tasked are outlined.
.3 Design
Here in Phase 3, we assess site goals and begin developing our visual design ideas. Several design mockups are created and submitted for review. Client decides upon a design and we move on to the next step.
*next 25% of total budget due
Now we start creating the html protosite (shown by screenshot and/or mockup). We assemble the global elements (items used throughout the site) and do some functional testing.
Now graphics and art are gathered from the client. Optimization and productions begins. A graphic mockup is presented to show the perfected design before coding is started.
.4 Build
HTML production and layout begins in Phase 4, keeping usability and accessibility in mind. Final content is organized and added, along with graphics. ALT tags, META tags and Title tags are implemented.
Backend engineering and programming, if any will be reevaluated and integrated into the site. Light testing is done.
QA testing and proofing begins. We prioritize and fix any bugs and verify site usability. Mockups/screenshots are shown for your approval.
.5 Deliver
In Phase 5, we confirm your domain and hosting is set and ready to go. Final testing is completed at this point.
*final 25% of total budget due plus any additional costs
It´s launch time! Once final payment is received, we begin the process of transferring your site files to your host server. Next, we will begin registering your site with the most popular search engines.
At this point, it´s time to think about implementing a website maintenance plan to keep your site fresh. You will receive our CAP (client appreciation pack) which will contain, among other things, a final survey to help measure our success.

