OK - as promised eons ago (or at least 2 weeks)..  here are my best
practices for web site development..

I've just pasted over the executive summary for convenience.

Executive Summary

The world wide web is a new electronic media which has grown from a one =
way
communication format to an interactive workspace incorporating =
animation,
video, and sound.  This new workspace is driven by technological =
advances,
occurring at break-neck speed and re-inventing the way many =
organizations
conduct business and interact with customers.  Two specific challenges =
arise
from this situation;=20

=D8 How do we ensure that our internet efforts are effective or of =
value to
ourselves and our customers?=20
=20
=D8 How do we manage the web development process efficiently in terms =
of cost,
time, and resources?

This report offers recommendations to meet these challenges in the form =
of 5
best practices for web site development.  The best practices were =
derived
from researching several high-caliber internet authorities whose client
lists included; Nike, Hewlett Packard, CNN News, Cisco Systems, Sony,
Oracle, Amazon, and Arthur Andersen.  The best practices are organized
around the tasks of planning, design, production, go-live, and =
maintenance.


The best practice for the planning stage of web site development is the
creation of a comprehensive Web Project Plan containing; a mission
statement, objectives, KPI's, scope, corporate image description, =
schedule,
responsibilities, and budget.

The best practice for the design stage of web site development is the
creation of a Design Guide and a Prototype or working model of the web =
site
that showcases the visual interface and provides proof of concept for
back-end functionality.  The Design Guide will explain the concept,
information organization, navigation, graphic design, functionalities, =
and
the technical design of the selected Prototype.  A criteria matrix may =
be
used to evaluate Prototypes to help select the best design.

The best practice for the production stage of web site development is =
the
systematic build of the web site from the html prototype to a fully =
tested
beta model according to a Production Guide containing; naming =
conventions,
image guide, asset tracking, html templates, and a testing plan.

The best practice for the Go-Live stage of web site development is the
execution of the delivery protocol, promotion plan, and final QA
walk-through.  Several weeks after the site has been launched, it would =
be a
good idea to celebrate and note the successes and challenges for future
benefit.

The best practice for the maintenance stage of web site development is; =
the
control of content through a content editor, routine corrective =
maintenance,
periodic direct feedback, and regular indirect feedback through the =
analysis
of server logs.  Feedback identifing new features may be added to the
existing site (perfective maintenance) or may precipitate a return to =
the
planning stage.


By rooting the web site development process in strategic planning, and =
by
directing activities according to guides - the site will be useful for =
all
it's stakeholders and efficient in it's development.  Templates have =
been
created for the Project Plan, Design Guide, and Production Guide to =
assist
in their creation.

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