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Over the many years of having been a web design project manager, I have launched a plethora of web sites. This includes taking projects from the initiation phase all the way through the launch, closing, and maintenance phase of a web sites lifecycle. Throughout this process I?ve learned many valuable tips, lessons, and best practices for succeeding in this line of work. In particular, I?ve learned a few best practices that I?d like to share with you on working with designers, working with web developers, and also working with your clients.
I really enjoy working with web designers because I get to see a trait and skill that I do not possess, which is artistic ability. I certainly know when something looks good and I know what I like, but I generally am not able to designs things well myself. My best tip for working with a designer actually involves the client. One thing that really helps my designers is that I always give them a list of sites that my client likes and an explanation of why they like each site. I also try to get a list from the client of sites they do not like and why. This helps ensure that what the designer comes up with matches something that the client is already comfortable with and enjoys.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that designers will sometimes render something in their design that cannot be done with code. It is important as you move along to always question what they?ve designed can be coded properly. The last that you want is to have a beautiful design that the client loves and then to learn that a critical piece cannot be coded. You will get a feel for this after you do many projects, but in the beginning it would be smart to always check with your developer if you are unsure of something.
When working with developers it is important to be very organized, descriptive, and clear in exactly what you?re requirements are for the project. If it is a small project you may not need a requirements traceability matrix, but you will definitely need this document on larger projects. This ensures that the requirements for the coding of the project are well documented and that the developer can check them off as he is developing. Communications is critical in ensuring that the project is developed properly.
I would estimate that on 90% of my projects, the most difficult person to deal with is the client. Some clients are great, but many clients have unrealistic expectations or don?t exactly know what they want and yet still will throw out random thoughts and ideas. It is your job to keep the client focused on the tasks at hand, to have them aware of and process that you follow so that they do not jump ahead, and to constantly communicate with them the status of the project. Communication is key throughout all phases of the project with all parties involved.
As you can see, there are many little things you will learn while doing project management work. I have thoroughly enjoyed incubating many ideas and small little projects and turning them into large successes. I have worked with small web startups as well as large companies and nonprofit organizations and all of the projects have been very fun. If you like web design, consider doing web design project management because you?ll be exposed to all of the different pieces that go into launching a new web site.
I really enjoy working with web designers because I get to see a trait and skill that I do not possess, which is artistic ability. I certainly know when something looks good and I know what I like, but I generally am not able to designs things well myself. My best tip for working with a designer actually involves the client. One thing that really helps my designers is that I always give them a list of sites that my client likes and an explanation of why they like each site. I also try to get a list from the client of sites they do not like and why. This helps ensure that what the designer comes up with matches something that the client is already comfortable with and enjoys.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that designers will sometimes render something in their design that cannot be done with code. It is important as you move along to always question what they?ve designed can be coded properly. The last that you want is to have a beautiful design that the client loves and then to learn that a critical piece cannot be coded. You will get a feel for this after you do many projects, but in the beginning it would be smart to always check with your developer if you are unsure of something.
When working with developers it is important to be very organized, descriptive, and clear in exactly what you?re requirements are for the project. If it is a small project you may not need a requirements traceability matrix, but you will definitely need this document on larger projects. This ensures that the requirements for the coding of the project are well documented and that the developer can check them off as he is developing. Communications is critical in ensuring that the project is developed properly.
I would estimate that on 90% of my projects, the most difficult person to deal with is the client. Some clients are great, but many clients have unrealistic expectations or don?t exactly know what they want and yet still will throw out random thoughts and ideas. It is your job to keep the client focused on the tasks at hand, to have them aware of and process that you follow so that they do not jump ahead, and to constantly communicate with them the status of the project. Communication is key throughout all phases of the project with all parties involved.
As you can see, there are many little things you will learn while doing project management work. I have thoroughly enjoyed incubating many ideas and small little projects and turning them into large successes. I have worked with small web startups as well as large companies and nonprofit organizations and all of the projects have been very fun. If you like web design, consider doing web design project management because you?ll be exposed to all of the different pieces that go into launching a new web site.
About the Author:
If you need to find or hire the best Virginia Website Designer, Brian at Mangoco is your answer. He has the experience and abilities to make you succeed!
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