Berkeley, California, Alameda County
Here’s a brief overview of our history and capabilities:
Design Site is a design and branding firm focused on helping clients achieve effective marketing communications. We combine our creative talents, technical skills and a proven methodology to arrive at exceptional solutions to our client’s marketing challenges.
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Describe your creative process.
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For Print Projects:
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a. Project Definition
RESEARCH - Before taking any steps toward a design, the Design Site team learns everything they can about the client's business, products and services, current position, and how the organization wants to be perceived. One of the steps in our research process is to go through a client survey process where
we ask the client various questions on branding, target markets, short terms and long terms goals for the project.
STRATEGY - We then create a set of strategic guidelines for the project, including its purpose, scope, technical and budgetary requirements, and steps for implementation.
b. Concept Development
EXPLORATION - The design team uses the information gained in the project-definition stage to generate multiple concepts in the form of pencil and computer-generated sketches, ranging from traditional to highly experimental.
INTERNAL REVIEW - These initial ideas go through multiple rounds of evaluation internally. When we have refined several ideas to the point where we are satisfied, those concepts and the process used to arrive at them are presented to the client. The client then provides their feedback, and further polishing is done as needed.
REFINEMENT - Once a concept has been selected for development, we work closely with the client to refine the typography, define the illustration style, and settle on the method of execution, such as choosing original or stock photography to define the brand. At this stage, we also consider how the concept can be expanded to other pieces of the program.
c. Strategy Implementation
METHODOLOGY - After refinements to the design have been made, we are ready to complete a plan for extending it to all collateral, website, advertising, and so forth. Colors are chosen and guidelines for typography and logo treatment are established.
PRODUCTION - In this stage, the Design Site team meets with printers and fabricators to establish the schedule of expected deliverables, confirming all dates with both client and printer. We create high-resolution files and deliver all final files in the appropriate format . In addition, a Design Site team member always attends the press check to assure that quality expectations are met.
d. Ongoing Support
ARCHIVING - We keep two copies of all electronic files for every job. One set is stored off-site for added protection.
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For Website Projects:
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a. Project Definition
RESEARCH - At this stage, the Design Site team confers with the client to define initial needs and goals: the purpose and image that should be communicated, the target audience, and the desired site functionality. One of the steps in our research process is to go through a client survey
process where we ask the client various questions on branding, target markets, short terms and long terms goals for the project.
SCOPING - Our team then devises a strategic plan of approach, including budgets, timelines, and technical requirements.
b. Strategy and Planning
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT - Working with the client and graphic design team, the web team explores concepts for visual style and refines the primary message.
SITE STRUCTURE - We also create a page flow model at this time to establish the functionality and relationship of the pages.
c. Visual Design
USER INTERFACE - Two to three possible interface treatments are presented for the client to choose from. The selected prototype is then refined, incorporating client comments, and a final design approved.
PAGE LAYOUT - With the “Look & Feel” established, we begin the process of implementing the desired look-and-feel across the different page styles (aka: the User Interface).
d. Production
CODING - All pages are coded and ready for tie-in to the CMS.
CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS) - All coded pages are then connected to the back-end CMS
INTERNAL TESTING - A live beta version of the site is posted and tested internally. This allows us to discover and eradicate any bugs.
e. Polish & Launch
CROSS-PLATFORM QA - Once the client signs off on the beta version, a final QA pass is performed on all common hardware and software platforms, to assure that the site functions as intended.
UPLOAD TO SERVER - The final step is to post the new site to a web server.
What information do you need from a client before you can start work?
One of the steps in our research process is to go through a client survey process where we ask the client various questions on branding, target markets, short terms and long terms goals for the project.
What do you love most about your job?
hmmmm... that’s easy... I love working with clients, creating designs with my team, finessing the end-result until it’s perfect (accomplishes the client’s goals)... and developing long-term relationships with clients.... where everyone is happy!!!!
What inspired you to start your own business?
My parents ran three successful businesses... and, I love to work hard, and solve design problems!!
Why should our clients choose you?
We are a team of experienced designers! We are reasonably priced, very easy to work with, and we really care about design and website development. It’s been our focus for over two decades!
