What does the term ‘definition phase’ mean?
In web development, the term ‘definition phase’ refers to the stage of a website project where the requirements, feature lists, goals, and initial components such as wireframes and sitemaps are prepared. It is also sometimes called the discovery phase, which is a term that is also used to describe a similar stage in other types of software development projects.
If you wish to learn more about this concept, check out the FAQ section below:
Question #1: What types of requirements are defined during the definition phase?
The types of requirements defined during the definition phase of a web development project consist of things that the website must allow both the administrators and users to do.
On the admin side, for example, this could be something as simple as having a content management system (CMS) so it is easier for anyone on the admin team—even those without any programming knowledge—to make changes to the website.
On the user side, on the other hand, a requirement could be any of the following:
- All pages must load within two seconds
- The user must be able to access the content they want/accomplish a goal within three clicks
- All the content on the website must guide the user to where they want to go
Question #2: What types of goals are defined during the definition phase?
The types of goals defined during the definition phase of a web development project consist of things that the website must accomplish, such as:
- Getting sign-ups to an event
- Capturing leads
- Increasing sales
- Improving brand awareness
- Establishing authority
- Providing more information on a topic
Defining the overall goals of a website at the start of the project is a great way for the whole team involved to stay focused throughout its entire duration. Every idea, task, process, feature, and requirement can be measured against these goals to determine its validity.
Question #3: What types of features are defined during the definition phase?
The types of features defined during the definition phase of a web development project consists of things that the website must have to meet the goals and requirements of the project.
For example, if your website is aimed at helping your brand establish authority in a certain field, then it needs to have a blog and an easy way for you to regularly publish content in that field.
If you want to capture leads, on the other hand, your website needs to have a lead magnet (or a set of lead magnets) and a lead capture form.
Do you want to get sign-ups to your physical or digital event? Then your website needs to have an events page that provides users with an easy way to get information about the event and book a spot for it.
Finally, if you are looking to boost your sales, then your website must-have features that make it easy for users to browse through your catalog, add things to their cart, and check out. Examples would be:
- Product search
- Product comparison
- Product filters
- One-click checkout
- Payment platform integrations
Question #4: What is a sitemap?
A sitemap defines the overall structure of a website, describing not only where each page goes and how it connects to other pages, but also what types of files it will have and where each file would go. It not only gives everyone involved in web development a blueprint to follow, but also provides web crawlers with a clear picture of what the website is all about.
You can also check this article from Backlinko, for more information on the sitemap.
Question #5: What is a wireframe?
A wireframe can be described as an initial sketch of a web page. It visually defines what elements each page on a website would have and where each of them would go. It is meant to give everyone involved in a web development project a clear picture of how a website would look and function without requiring the design team to do any heavy design work before the overall structure and look of the website is approved by the client.