Design Document: Writing the Introduction

In week one you came to understand what a Design Document is and the important role it will play in the development of a web site. Now we will begin to actually start creating one. We begin by writing an introduction as it will demonstrate to the client that you understand what their needs are.

The introduction to the design document will be your clients first impression of the work you intend on doing for them. It is your opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of their organization and how the work you will do will help them achieve their overall goals for the project.

The introduction should contain the following elements:

1. Description of the products, services, role of the organization you are developing the web site for.
2. Your understanding of how this web site development project will help them achieve their objectives.
3. The purpose of the Design Document. Why are your creating this document and not busy creating pretty images and writing HTML source code?
4. Who the key players are on your side of the table? In other words, who works for you and will be part of your team in the development of the web site? Identify these people and their roles.
5. Who is the client? Who are their key players on the clients side of the table? Especially determine who can make the final approval. This person is key in ensuring you get paid! Identify these people and their roles as well.