As explained in the prior article on “Secret of Creating Beautiful Database Driven Websites”, the development of a Database Driven Site is split into 2 segments:

• Construction of a full static front end prototype (Web Designer)
• Implementing the necessary codes to fulfil the functionality (Software Developer)

Each segment of the project is handled by different personals.

This ensures that design decisions are made based solely on its aesthetic merit and will not be baised towards easier implementation by our developers.

FLOWCHART OF DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

CONSTRUCTION OF STATIC PROTOTYPE

The construction of a static prototype involves first a front page mockup. Front page mockup is very important in determining the initial design concept. To help us in developing a suitable website, it will be good if you could provide us the urls of some website that you like.

Once we understand what you are looking for, we will provide a front page mockup like the one you see below:

Amendments will be made to this front page mockup until you are fully satisified with the design concept. Only after you are fully satisfied do we proceed to do a full static html prototype. A fully static html prototype is basically the entire website without the backend coding functions. It will show the end product without the database driven functionality.

At this stage, should the client suddenly realise that certain requirements or needs are not met, it is still relatively easy to factor into the system. We will make ALL NECESSARY amendments to the static prototype. Only upon the confirmation of the full acceptance of the static prototype, will we move on to the final phase of code development.

For the R1 Trading project, the static html prototype can be found at:
http://r-onetrading.dynawebsite.com/

This phase marks the end of the web designer’s role in the project.

CODE DEVELOPMENT

The developer will undertake the project from the web designer. From here, the software developer will write the necessary codes and database scripts to enable customers to dynamically update the website. The client will not be involved in this phase.

Upon the completion of the code development, the customer will be given an backend administrative panel to do all the necessary update and maintenance operations.

Backend Administration Panel

The entire process of creating a database driven application generally takes place over a period of 2 months:

• 3 weeks for static html prototyping
• 3 weeks for backend integration
• 2 weeks for minor amendments and corrections