When a non-profit partner is beginning the process of having their website redesigned, we like to get some specifics about the type of site they are envisioning. Our RFP form is a good first step in the web redesign process and has some introductory questions that get at the same issues, but it is sometimes helpful to answer some slightly more in-depth questions specifically about the look and feel as a separate, secondary exercise. (Also, sometimes it is useful to send a graphic design specific form to a sub-group of more visually oriented people who may not need to see the entire RFP).
The questions are pasted in directly below and also attached for download at the bottom of the page in both Open Document Format and Word format.
1. Description of Mood/Functionality/etc:
Describe with words the mood or personality that your site should have. For example, should it give a corporate feel with clean, straight lines? Should it be a softer feel, with rounded edges and gradients? Should it be bolder and grungy? Do you want to go with a 'Web 2.0' look or something less techie? This will tie in with your primary audience, so feel free to include thoughts about them here as well, including demographic info, technical capabilities, etc. We may ask for further details if something is unclear.
2. Branding Guidelines and Color:
Do you have a package of branding guidelines that we should follow as we develop the look and feel? Do you have specific colors that are used consistently? Should the site's design match anything else you have already developed (in print or video, for example), or will your other communications be revised to match the site? Do you have a logo, or multiple versions of your logo? (Please provide your logo in vector form if possible, otherwise as a high resolution raster image)
3. Examples of Mood/Functionality/etc (positive and negative):
Provide a list of five to ten sites that have something about them that you like, whether it is the way the menu works, the general mood and feel of the page, the structure or layout, or anything else in particular. Also include aspects of the sites that you do not like. We may have more questions for you regarding the sites you list here, so don't worry if you're not sure how to describe what it is you like (or don't like) about a site, just try your best.
4. Homepage:
Often a site will have a separate structure for the homepage, to allow more information to be presented in one place and give an overview of all the places the visitor can go (or at least to highlight specific places). What will be important to include on the homepage? What do you want your visitors to see first if they happen to visit your homepage (as opposed to landing on an internal page through a search result, for example)? What do you want them to do? (You may tie in thoughts about various audiences here as well, if you have multiple audiences that may be interested in different parts of the site).
5. Internal Design:
Will the internal design be consistent, or are there areas of the site that should look slightly different? If so, please describe the various areas and how they may be differentiated (for example, specific header graphics for specific areas, or a slight change of the color palette in the look and feel, or a complete restructuring of the page)? What is the goal of making these sections different?
As usual, feel free to contact us with any questions, or request more info for a specific project you have in mind. (For web projects, it is helpful if you complete the RFP and submit it with the project estimate request form).
Photo by http://www.anna-OM-line.com
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