website discovery

When asked about what makes a website great, people often answer, the website design determines whether it’s a good one or not. If their user experience isn’t that great and the website itself seems unappealing, it’s not really a great site. This is where website discovery can help your company.

But behind people’s favorite sports websites to visit is a process that ultimately decides its fate — whether it will be successful or not will be determined by its website discovery process! 

Every awesome scroll effect you see is the result of a designer asking the right questions to its clients. Without the discovery phase, design agencies wouldn’t be able to design and develop websites that contribute to the overall goal of a client’s business. 

Before diving into the process itself, let’s first discuss what website discovery really is! 

Discovery Phase

The website discovery session or discovery phase is the period of a digital project wherein intensive research is done. This initial step often involves various people like UX Designers, Business Analysts and Technical Architects.

During this time, a web design agency will discuss where the client hopes to be, what’s the current state today, and what needs to be done to reach the business goals. Everything during this process will be documented. All of the important findings you get during this process will be used in designing the website. Additionally, it will also help in keeping other follow up actions at bay!

Though it seems like a required step in the development process of a website, not everyone does it. Some agencies would argue that they don’t need it because their designers are agile enough to survive. Unfortunately, this kind of mindset opens up the door for uncertainty. 

And where uncertainty is, knowledge gaps is sure to be found. 

Why Discovery is Needed

Now, it may seem like dedicating weeks for research is counterintuitive — it actually guarantees a successful web development and design process!

For one, the discovery process helps provide purpose and direction to the project. It keeps everyone aligned to one shared vision. For instance, 40% of marketers admit they’re not adequately supported by other members of their organization. This step can be a big help in connecting both your digital team and the IT team! 

The step also allows you to set the project on the current state of your business! A great design agency will recommend what should be changed, updated or improved so that your website hits its main goal. 

For instance, if your brand is hoping to improve its online presence, the agency might suggest a website redesign to ensure it has all the technical requirements of search engine optimization

Furthermore, it can help determine the roadblocks that may derail the project later on! The process of website discovery is almost the same with the initial steps of marketing planning. 

With this in mind, we can start working on the website discovery template you need to ensure a great website!

Maps to Success

If you’re thinking of partnering with a design agency in creating your sports brand’s website, it’s important that you get the best of the best — preferably a team that never forgets the discovery process of a project.

Here are some of the general steps of a website discovery session! 

Discover Goals

The web designers of the agency will first discuss with you what the main goal of your website will be. They’ll ask you about your target audience, your brand’s promise, its voice, your customer’s perception as well as the highlight of your products or services.

Some of the commonly asked questions in this process are as follows:

  • What is project’s desired outcome? 
  • What is the expected timeframe?
  • How much is the budget for this project for its initial development?
  • Have you considered a routine or periodic maintenance and updates?
  • Who is your target end-user and what are their expectations? 

If your designers ask you the following questions or any other question of such nature, then you’re definitely in good hands! After discussing these internal factors, you’ll then proceed to talking about the external parts of the process.

External Factors

Once your designers get a good idea of your target demographic, they will start to look into the culture and identity from which they hail. They will also look into the different problems your consumers often experience to try and see how their design can help alleviate these issues. 

This is also the part wherein they analyze your customer’s needs and how your brand’s website can answer them. Their design will also be determined by what they like and what they don’t like. Additionally, they will discuss how your brand can exceed these needs. 

These questions and templates act as the backbone of a great and effective website. The information that your design team will gather during this process will serve as the foundation of your brand’s website. Hence, it’s best that you answer them honestly. And if you can, don’t be afraid to be involved!

Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork

By keeping these templates in mind, you’ll be able to contribute greatly to your design team! Additionally, these will help you determine which agencies work best. 

Don’t be afraid to reach out to design experts and collaborate with them on a website that works for you and for your audience!

Similar Posts