Stages

A typical project follows the following stages:

Stage 1 The design process...

TMD Online starts with a brief and a "blank canvas". From this, we develop a custom design that we will present (if possible in person). We then get a list of changes from you, alter the design and re-present.

We also design for a set fee. This means if we need to go through multiple revisions of your site design – no additional charges are payable.

Once you are happy with the design, we will ask you to "sign off" on the concept and we will put it into production.

Click here if you are providing the artwork.

If you opt to employ your own designer / own agency to do your creative this is fine (in fact we provide solutions to a number of Ad Agencies already).

Artwork must be provided as follows:

Files must be a multi layered Photoshop document (PSD) at 72 DPI.
A "standard" production usually revolve around 2 provided pages (home page and an "other" page). If you are providing more then 2 pages of artwork please contact us.
Dimensions of "inner" width of site must be accurate / set (note an inner width of site usually is 1140 pixels).
Instructions are always welcome (e.g this button opens a popup window).
Fonts:
Google Fonts should be considered as a first option
Note: other fonts can also definitely be used. Just contact us first to discuss

Production of Artwork:
TMD Online prides itself on attention to detail. However "pixel perfect replication" of designs intent is sometimes not possible / feasible / advisable due to technical restrictions such as fonts and form elements rendering differently across different browers. In addition proper "responsive" design should be the primary consideration. If you have any concerns - please talk to us first.

Important Recommendations (for clients and agencies)

Designers normally provide designs as PDFs, which is great for an initial preview. However sometimes its difficult for a client to judge how a sites "overall" width will actually look (specifically when the PDF isn't viewed at a 100%). There should always be at least 1 - 2 screens in a "browser" preview so you can see how the site might look in real life.
- Here is a JPG Example
- Here is a Photoshop file (for agencies / designers)
The client needs to think about the functionality of the design. The design will look great, but the client should consider:
- How will real photographry fit (will it need to be cropped / resized by the client).
- What do the various buttons do?
- Does the menu have any drop downs?
- Any text that is used - is this realistic length of what the client will write / provide.
Get us on board sooner, rather then later. When an initial draft is done - send it thru to us for some comments
Make sure artwork is a 100% finalised / approved before handing it over to us. If we need to make changes after design has been provided - additional charges will apply.

Stage 2 The production process...

Once your design has been approved and signed off on, the first thing we do is cut up the home page. We will then ask you to confirm that the home page has been cut up correctly and that you are a 100% happy with this (note we may need to tweak some font sizes or tweak the odd element or two).

Once the home page cut up has been approved, usually we then create one or two "sub pages" (so you can see how the "other" pages will look and feel). This is a good time to get feedback about how the rest of the site will flow.

Once you are happy with these pages, our NetRanger Content Management System can be deployed, and content placement can begin.

Stage 3 Content Upload ...

We upload usually 3 items of content per module (e.g we would upload 3 products and 3 news articles if your site contained the NetRanger "news" and "product" modules), so you can review how the modules will look and feel. Once you are happy with this we then provide training to you on how to upload the rest.

Anytime you need help / support with uploading content - give us a buzz, we will be happy to assist. During this time we may also develop a series of extra "mini templates", that allow you to quickly "re-use" set elements.

Let's Go Live

Before the site goes live, you want to really give it a thorough overview to make sure you understand how everything works. Remember whilst the site is on the test server, its a good chance to try out your new skills!

Also if your site has any ecommerce capabilities - make sure you understand how your payment gateway, shipping, gift certificates and promotion codes work. Its also a really good idea to do a few "dry runs" (some of our clients actually "pack" up their test orders, to ensure all the despatch / send areas of the business work seamlessly with the website).