Real Web Project Management: Case Studies and Best Practices from the Trenches

Chapter 9. Managing the Design Phase

Key Topics

• The Information Architect and Designer Relationship

• Managing Sign-Off

• Design Production Phases

• Internal and External Design Teams

• How Technical Do Designers Have to Be?

Although the seed from which the Web sprouted may be rooted in technology, the hook that captured the imagination of the masses was, and continues to be, graphic design. The “look and feel” of a Web site will ultimately generate more business (and opinions) than the back-end functionality. Some may argue that without sound functionality, the design is useless. While this may be true, it is also true that the Web is a visual communication medium, and good design is sometimes more useful than whiz bang functionality.

Design solutions can ...