Developing New and Redesigned Websites
When developing new or redesigning websites for ACF, it is important to involve your digital communications specialist from the beginning of the project. They will work with you to ensure that the site meets applicable policies and standards. Sharing the deliverables below at each phase will allow your specialist to identify potential problems and keep your project moving forward.
Your specialist will work with you to make sure your site:
- Meets your business needs and goals
- Meets the needs of target audiences
- Follows best practices and standards for plain writing, usability, 508 compliance, and design
Remember that a new website is a huge investment. Make sure that your business goals truly require a new platform before proceeding with this process. Please note that ACF's Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has additional governance around server, security, and system requirements that may impact your project.
The ACF Website Requirements checklist condenses the most important federal and Department guidelines and best practices for federal websites. All requirements must be met before the site goes live, and the Office of Communications (OC), Digital Division will use this document to review all websites.
Website Development
Development Phase |
What to submit to OC |
---|---|
1. Define the project (Review website requirements) |
Website project plan (Goals, target audience(s), top tasks, timeline, resources, site management plan, etc.) Coordinate with ACF's OCIO to complete intake process. |
2. Define information structure |
Site map/ Information architecture documentation |
3. Determine visual structure |
Wireframes (demonstrating navigation and usability considerations) |
4. Create visual design |
Design comps/ mock-ups that comply with ACF color palette using federal design guidelines |
5. Build the site following website requirements |
Submit staging site for testing and review (Section 508 compliance ) |
6. Launch the site |
Coordinate with OCIO, as needed. Notify your digital comms specialist |