Vision Worksheet

Work through the questions on this page to help figure out what you're looking for in a web site. You will probably want to jot down notes or print one of the versions in the left column.

1. The Big Picture
   1. Why do you want a web site? Circle all that apply.
      • To provide information about a company, organization, or topic
      • To sell products online
      • To provide customer support
      • To show or share files or photos
      • To persuade people to call you
      • Other:
   2. Who is your audience going to be? For example, are you marketing to African American women? Is your customer base made up of older people who may not have access to high-speed internet? This will help you to determine relevant imagery and what kind of technology you can use.
   3. If a customer/user who is already familiar with you comes to your web site, what things would they be most interested in viewing or doing? List them below. (For example: ordering products, looking at recent news, checking office hours, etc.)
   4. If a brand new customer/user visits your web site, what are the top three or four things you want them to do or know?
   5. How much money are you willing or able to budget for a web site? How much money can you budget for monthly services such as hosting, email, and updates? (See the beginner's primer for cost estimates.)
2. The Structure
   1. What are some of the pages, sections, or features that you would like on your web site? Circle the ones that apply below and add more as needed.
      • flash intro
      • product catalog
      • contact page
      • map/directions
      • contact email form
      • portfolio/clients page
      • staff photos and information
      • support, help, or frequently asked questions page or area
      • privacy policy
      • shipping policy
      • return policy
      • terms of use
      • tutorials
      • hours
      • history
      • photo gallery
      • journal or blog
      • site map
      • others...
   2. Go back and mark those pages or features that you think are essential with a "1." Then mark those features that you could live with coming in a "phase two."
   3. Make a list (which may overlap with part 2a) of the sections or features that you would want directly on the home page or prominent links on the home page. For example: customer login, sales/specials, news/events.
3. The Design
   1. Do you have a logo? If not, do you need a logo designed?
   2. What are the main colors of your logo or company? If you don't have any, what main colors do you want to use in your web site? Write down color codes, hue/saturation values, or find a web site or picture with the color that you're looking for.
   3. What kind of style do you want your web site to be? Create a list of words and impressions may help. For example:
      • clean
      • white
      • simple
      • corporate
      • dark
      • modern
      • edgy
      • stark
      • layered
      • textured
      • fresh
      • bright
      • fun
      • child
      • pastel
      • antique
      • vintage
      • retro
   4. Have you seen other web sites where you like the style and think it will work for you? If you don't know where to start, browse through sites like www.coolhomepages.com or www.pixelmill.com to see all the different kinds of design styles out there.
4. The Relationship
   1. What qualities are you looking for in a web designer?
   2. Do you like working over email, phone, or IM chat?
   3. What things are you willing to do, or don't want to pay for? For example, do you want to write your own content, update and manage the site yourself, and optimize graphics?

Rates

• Rates Overview
• The Design Process: From Concept to Creation
• Beginner's Primer
• Vision Worksheet (web)
• Vision Worksheet (logo)
• Get a Free Estimate

Other Formats Available

(Right-click and choose Save Target As... to download.)

• PDF
• Word document

Want a logo?

Fill out our logo vision worksheet.