Web Site Development Process - Assignment Example

Website Development and analysis Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 Web development 3 Web systems development lifecycle 4 Website navigation 7 Website Accessibility 9 Website testing and evaluation 10 Conclusion 11 Bibliography 11 Introduction The Internet is a wide-reaching collection of networks that connects the millions of organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals (Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat, 2005). More than one-half billion people all over the world make use of the Internet every day for an assortment of reasons, few reasons are given below: (Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat, 2005, pp. 11-12) and (Norton, 2001, p. 339) For the purpose of communication, talk with and meet other people around the globe Utilize a wealth of information, news, and research results Online shopping for goods and services of their choice Bank and investment Participating in online classes Utilizing ways of entertainment and free time, for instance online games, music, videos, books, and magazines. No matter, online or off line, people in current marketplace desire high-quality products, services, and information in a speedy and simple way. The Internet’s most important advantage is that of speed and ease. For that reason e-business, which makes use of the Internet as the center for carrying out business activities, can support make a corporation more customer-friendly as well as several other things, for instance creating a well-organized exchange of information and/or products and services (Leonard, 2006). This research based report is about the detailed analysis of the web based system development. In this research I will present a deep insight into the some main areas of the web based systems development. They can be regarding the web planning, design, construction and evaluation. The main aim of this research is to present a deep insight into the web based systems development technologies and theories. The main areas of the web based systems development will be discussed in this research include systems development lifecycle, navigation, accessibility, testing and evaluation. Web development Web development is a wide area of development that incorporates any activity regarding developing a website for any purpose. The development of a website can consist of web design, e-commerce business development, client-side/server-side scripting, web content development and web server configuration. Though, from the point of view of web professionals, "the term web development" is typically refers to the non-design features of developing and building websites, for example, writing web based language (markup language) coding. The process of web development varies from developing the easiest static pages of plain text to the highly complex web based electronic businesses, social network website or Internet applications (Alexander, 2009), (Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat, 2005), and (Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat, 2005). Web systems development lifecycle Alexander (2009) states that similer to customary software development; the developments of web based systems are also divided into different stages of development life cycle. This process can facilitate in forming the development team effectively, as well as the procedures and standards can be implemented to accomplish highest system feature (Alexander, 2009). Website development as well consists of planning, analysis, design and other similar phases in the ordinary software development. As there are numerous websites out there that as well operations as tools turning out to be online software, it is no wonder why software development life cycle is relevant in web based systems development (GeekInterview, 2009). Below I have given the software development life cycle for the web based system development: Figure 1- SDLC of Website –Source: [http://www.macronimous.com/resources/web_development_life_cycle.asp] Analysis In this phase of the website development we take the customer requirements. At this stage, we discuss with customer regarding his requirements. In this phase, we also analyze the main areas that will be addressed or covered in the website. In this phase of the web site development we apply some requirements gathering tools (such as interviews, analysis, survey, etc) for gathering the system requirements (Demrow, 2007) and (Alexander, 2009). Specification Building In this phase we establish the preliminary specifications that are drawn up through covering up every element of the system development requirement. In this phase we assess the main web site modules, general layout, site navigation as well as dynamic parts of the website (Alexander, 2009). Design and development: This phase is the most significant phase for any web system development. At this stage, we design the website user interface and also the overall system’s operational design on which further development will be carried out. This phase of the website system development incorporates the utilization of splice tools regarding the design and development of the system (webarya, 2009) and (Alexander, 2009). Content writing: This phase is crucial mainly for the websites systems. There are needs for the professional content developers who are able to write business specific as well as appropriate content for the website. In this phase the website content writers add their text in the overall developed design templates of the website. The spelling and grammatical checking should be carried out in this phase (webarya, 2009). Coding This phase is similar to traditional system development. At this stage, specialist programmers code the website system and make it functional and professional. This phase is the most significant part of the website system development. At this stage, we develop the system against the pre-developed system design (webarya, 2009) and (Alexander, 2009). Testing This phase is different as compared to traditional system development. In this phase we carry out intensive testing, for the reason that the applications will continuously operate as a multi-user system by means of some of the transmission and bandwidth limitations. A number of the testing techniques that should be carried out are (Alexander, 2009): Unit testing Stress testing Scalability testing Integration testing Resolution testing Load testing Cross-browser compatibility testing Maintenance and Updating This phase of the website development runs all the life of system functioning. In this regard we continuously change, update, add, delete and manage the contents of the website system. In this phase, we manage the Internet domain services and other contents management areas (Alexander, 2009). Website navigation Shannon (2009) describes that our website navigation structure can not be exaggerated. Without a number of kinds of website navigation, a site drops the entire sense of organization and structure. There are a lot of techniques of presenting our website navigation: along the top and bottom, in a bar down one side of the screen, or in a frame that stays by means of us throughout our visit to a website. It is significant to authorize although to the rest of our website from anywhere. Mainly we should be capable to move at all website page in a maximum of two or three clicks, by means of our Home or main web pages accessible in one (Shannon, 2009). A navigation bar helps readers’ instant information of the depth to our website. Simply offering a quick look over our website navigation links should offer them and plan of what is on present and what is here that they absolutely desire to observe. Having a completely featured navigation bar promises the web site reader that there is plenty to observe and perform as well as encourages them to discover a little bit (Shannon, 2009). Tullis, Connor, LeDoux, Chadwick-Dias, True, & Catani, (2009) have stated that creating high-quality web site navigation is the most significant job of website designer who has to achieve in the website design development. Website navigation is the way people obtain to find the way throughout websites. It has to be finely developed, simple to utilize and spontaneous. Deprived navigation does not facilitate users as well as sometimes, our website can show to be less reachable than others (Tullis, Connor, LeDoux, Chadwick-Dias, True, & Catani, 2009). Some main qualities of effective website navigation are: Keep it Consistent: website navigation should come into view in the similar location on each page of a website. It should as well uphold the similar style, font, and colors. This will facilitate users to have feel of comfortable browsing it (Miller, 2009), (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 1998), and (Helander, Landauer, & Prabhu, 1997). Navigation should be uncomplicated and easy to find: Website users are annoyed, and they are not going to suspend on a website. Website Navigation should be a well-known part of our web design. As it will frequently take up a great deal less space than other parts, it should stand out sufficiently hence it does not get lost in the middle of a sea of content (Miller, 2009), (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 1998), and (Helander, Landauer, & Prabhu, 1997). Utilize clear section names: The section of website needs to contain the names of a website, particularly as labeled in the navigation, must state what establishes behind them. Obscure, broad words similar to “tools” and “resources” should be kept away from when probable, for the reason that they simply direct to users clicking on numerous buttons previous to finding what they are searching for (Miller, 2009), (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 1998), and (Helander, Landauer, & Prabhu, 1997). Less is more: A lot of navigation links and buttons, as leading into additional sections, can immediately leave a user by too many choices (Miller, 2009). An extended list of alternatives keeps the website visitor from receiving into the majority significant content regions of our website. In its place, think drop-down menus that split down top-level navigational buttons into sub-sections. As well should be cautious regarding too many divided navigation bars. It is frequent to have up to three alternatives intended for member-based content-driven websites. Despite the fact that, if they are not appropriately described the user would not be acquainted with where to click or look, and three divided alternatives is previously pushing too many (Miller, 2009), (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 1998), and (Helander, Landauer, & Prabhu, 1997). Remind the website visitor where they are: Once a website user goes into a site part, it is a super idea to remind them where they are. Utilize a reliable technique to accentuate the part a website visitor is in, like that a modification in color or appearance. If the website has extra than one page for each section, be confident to leave the button clickable therefore website users would be able to make use of it to go back to the home or main page of that part (Miller, 2009), (Dix, Finlay, Abowd, & Beale, 1998), and (Helander, Landauer, & Prabhu, 1997). Website Accessibility Henry (2005) has outlined that web accessibility denotes that how people will interact with the web. Furthermore, the web accessibility means that how people are able to understand, perceive, navigate and interact with the web, and that they can contribute to the web. Web accessibility as well benefits others, comprising older people by means of changing capabilities due to aging (Henry, 2005). Kyrnin (1999) has outlined that web accessibility denotes the application of making websites working for people having disabilities and abilities. When websites are properly developed, designed, and edited, every user is able to have identical access to information as well as functionality. For instance, when a website is coded through semantically momentous HTML, by means of textual equivalents offered for images as well as by links named significantly this aids some people by some disabilities users by means of text-to-speech software as well as text-to-Braille hardware (Kyrnin, 1999). Dolson (2009) otlines that when images and text are huge and enlargeable, it is easier for users by means of poor sight to read and know the website data content. When website links are highlighted (or otherwise distinguished) or colored, this makes certain that color blind people will be capable to notice them. As clickable links as well as fields are large, this facilitates users who are able to not manage a mouse through precision. When website pages are coded consequently that users can find the way using keyboard alone, or a single switch right of entry device alone, this facilitates users who cannot make use of a mouse or even a standard keyboard (Dolson, 2009). Website testing and evaluation Eisenberg (2006) stated that web site testing is the name applied for the software testing that spotlights on web applications, as well as is one of the top growing field of software testing (Eisenberg, 2006). Eisenberg (2006) outlines that comprehensive web testing of a web based system previous to making the website live is the main step to make certain of a whole web application’s capability to operate correctly. It would be able to facilitate and address issues such as, readiness of our website server intended for the online data traffic we are expecting the augmenting amount of web users (this also called the load testing). Besides carrying out web tests we would be capable to find out problems in our systems prior to they come in a production environment (Eisenberg, 2006). There are lot of tests regarding the insurance of the web based system usability and effectiveness of usage. These types include, unit testing, combined testing, load testing, and stress testing, usability testing and so on (Eisenberg, 2006). Nielsen (1994) has stated about the website evaluation analysis that is hard for a single person to carry out for the reason that one person will never be capable to find out all the usability issues in a system user interface (Nielsen J. , 1994-b). It is definitely realistic that a number of usability problems are so simple to discover that they are discovered by almost everyone; on the other hand there are as well a number of problems that are discovered by very few evaluators (Nielsen J. , 1994-a). Conclusion In this report I have presented a detained analysis of the web based application development and implementation. In this research based report I have outlined some main aspects of the web based system development, life cycle, and design. The main topics covered in this report are Web based systems development lifecycle, navigation, accessibility, testing and evaluation. I hope this will offer a deep insight into overall operational structure and working of the web based system. Bibliography Alexander, B. (2009). Web Site Development Process - The life-cycle steps. Retrieved Novemeber 08, 2009, from Macronimous.com: http://www.macronimous.com/resources/web_development_life_cycle.asp Danino, N. (2001, November 14). Human-Computer Interaction and Your Site. Retrieved November 08, 2009, from SitePoint.com: http://www.sitepoint.com/article/computer-interaction-site/ Demrow, D. (2007). The System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) of Web Development. Retrieved 11 08, 2009, from http://www.euro-innova.com/WebsiteSDLC.doc Dix, A., Finlay, J., Abowd, G., & Beale, R. (1998). Human-Computer Interaction. Hillsdale: Prentice Hall. Dolson, J. C. (2009). Web Accessibility and the Law. Retrieved November 08, 2009, from http://www.practicalecommerce.com/articles/1167-Web-Accessibility-and-the-Law Eisenberg, B. (2006). Four Steps to More Effective Web Site Testing. Retrieved November 08, 2009, from http://www.clickz.com/3624130 GeekInterview. (2009). SDLC for Web Development. Retrieved November 08, 2009, from GeekInterview.com: http://www.learn.geekinterview.com/it/sdlc/sdlc-web-development.html Helander, M., Landauer, T., & Prabhu, P. (1997). Handbook of Human-Computer Interaction. Amsterdam: Elsevier Science Pub Co. Henry, S. L. (2005). Introduction to Web Accessibility. Retrieved November 08, 2009, from http://www.w3.org/WAI/intro/accessibility Hewett, Baecker, Card, Carey, Gasen, Mantei, et al. (2009). ACM SIGCHI Curricula for Human-Computer Interaction. Retrieved August 22, 2009, from sigchi.org: http://sigchi.org/cdg/cdg2.html#D3 Kyrnin, J. (1999). What do the Accessibility Guidelines Mean to Me? Retrieved November 08, 2009, from http://webdesign.about.com/od/accessibility/a/accessibility_g.htm Leonard, S. (2006, August 23). E-Business and Its Advantages. Retrieved November 08, 2009, from EzineArticles.com: http://ezinearticles.com/?E-Business-and-Its-Advantages&id=280089 Miller, E. (2009). Five Rules of Effective Website Navigation. Retrieved November 8, 2009, from http://graphicdesign.about.com/od/effectivewebsites/a/web_navigation.htm Myers, B. A. (1998). A Brief History of Human Computer Interaction Technology. ACM interactions. Vol. 5, no. 2 , 44-54. Nielsen, J. (1994-b). Enhancing the explanatory power of usability heuristics. Proc. ACM CHI'94 Conf. (Boston, MA, April 24-28), 152-158. Enhancing the explanatory power of usability heuristics. Proc. ACM CHI'94 Conf. (Boston, MA, April 24-28), , 152-158. Nielsen, J. (1994-a). Heuristic evaluation. In Nielsen, J., and Mack, R.L. (Eds.), Usability Inspection Methods. New York, NY.: John Wiley & Sons. Norton, P. (2001). Introduction to Computers, Fourth Edition. Singapore: McGraw-Hill. Shannon, R. (2009). Website Navigation. Retrieved November 8, 2009, from http://www.yourhtmlsource.com/accessibility/navigation.html Shelly, Cashman, & Vermaat. (2005). Discovering Computers 2005. Boston: Thomson Course Technology. Tullis, T. S., Connor, E., LeDoux, L., Chadwick-Dias, A., True, M., & Catani, M. (2009). A Study of Website Navigation Methods. Retrieved November 09, 2009, from http://www.eastonmass.net/tullis/WebsiteNavigation/WebsiteNavigationPaper.htm webarya. (2009, February 06). Popular Web Development Models (SDLC). Retrieved November 08, 2009, from http://webarya.wordpress.com/2009/02/06/popular-web-development-models-sdlc/ Read More