5 Things to Consider When Choosinng a Designer

Nov 23, 2006

1. Consider what you want to achieve? - Before you can know who the best fit is you have to figure out what you want to achieve. For example: What kinds of information do you want on the site? What is your goal in 1 month? 12 months? Who is your audience and what problems might they face online? What technologies do you have or might you need? What is your timeline? Do you have a budget?
2. Do they employ a process which mitigates risk? -The web is a wonderful medium but if you're not careful the idea you started with looks nothing like the site that gets developed. Ensure the firm you choose has a carefully articulated process that moves your company from idea stage through the technical development and deployment stages. If they don't, you will likely find yourself pulling your hair out a month into the process
3. Have they been in business 3+ years? - A good team is hard to find in any business and this evident in web design and development teams. Given the complexity of the web teams are made up of specialists including designers, programmers, usability specialists, strategists, copywriters, and animators. It is vital to the success of your project that this team works together flawlessly. This synergy will be invaluable in taking your ideas and problems and ensuring the execution is sound and cost-effective
4. Does their designer know web technologies? - Print designers who don't have a solid understand of HTML, CSS and programming technology will miss opportunities to create more usable and cost effective designs. Ensure the web design firm you choose has a firm grasp of the technical concepts.
5. Do they have high quality examples and references of their work? - Many firms will talk the talk but if they can't show you clear examples of their work be it from a design or web application perspective it is likely they are learning as they go. Work with a company which has been down the road before.
   Taking the time sorting through these issues will be well worth it in the long-run.

About Veratta

Veratta is a pioneer in web design and web application development that enables businesses to acquire, convert and retain customers. Using proven leading edge technology and thoughtful creative design, Veratta's core competencies ensure client success. Companies such a Intrawest (Playgrond), Citizen's Bank, DealerVu, and Ascalade use Veratta to gain maximum results online.

Veratta is a web design and web application development company headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For more information please call 604-689-0121 or visit www.veratta.com.

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