A website design or redesign is a big project. Where to start? Just like you wouldn’t build a house without plans, you wouldn’t start a website design or redesign without clear objectives. You could imagine your website as a machine. What is your machine’s output? Those are your website’s design goals. What is the machine’s input? That’s how you will manage your site.

What kind of Machine is Your Website?

First, decide what kind of machine your website will be. Then that becomes a framework for your design goals and the functionality you will need.

Is your website’s main purpose to express something or spread a message? Then it is a printing press.

Will your website sell products, physical or virtual? Think of it as a vending machine.

If the website will be showcasing images or projects, like a portfolio— then it is a slide projector

Most websites have more than one function. For instance, an ecommerce site could have a blog. In that case, the blog supports the main purpose, which is selling things. Therefore, the site is most like a vending machine.

Examples of Website Design Goals as Output and Input

For a Printing Press

Output
A visitor to my website will be able to read my latest writing, see suggestions for other content, and browse posts by topic. They will be invited to connect with me on other platforms.

Input
It should be easy to write and post content. The site should have best practices in place for organic search optimization. It will push content to social media and encourage people to sign up for my newsletter.

For a Vending Machine

Output
A visitor to my website will be able to find a product, select options, and complete their purchase. Visitors will be happy with the purchasing journey and want to return and buy again.  

Input
As the website owner, I can update and add products without difficulty. It is simple to communicate with customers. The website will capture customer information in a way that integrates with my sales system. 

For a Slide Projector

Output
A visitor to my site will immediately get a sense of my style and have a clear idea of what it is like to work with me. They can find more information about a project that interests them.  It will be easy to contact me. 

Input
As the website owner, I will be able to easily update my site with my latest work. My website will push content to social media and encourage sharing. 

Your Website Design Goals

Now it is your turn!

First, decide what kind of machine is your website.

Then, think about the output your visitors want.

Think about what kind of input your machine requires.

The Next Step

Write a creative brief. This is a more detailed description of your website goals and needs. You can use the creative brief to get bids for your website design project.

Contact me if you’d like to work together to define your website design goals.