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Institutional Web Support Services (IWSS) at Illinois State University

Visual Designer

The Visual Designer's responsibilities include communicating the group's design ideas to the IWSS graphic designer, and updating the visual elements on the site once the project is complete. Oftentimes, the Visual Designer and Content Maintainer are the same person.

Planning Phase:

Content drives design

We've found projects to be most successful when groups have thought through the planning and content before focusing on design. For this reason, design discussions occur at the end of the development phase. A well-planned design that focuses on the big picture can have a lifespan of two to three years. The most successful designs:

  • fit with your group's long-term marketing plan and public image
  • appeal to your group's audience

We highly recommend coordinating your Web site with the design of your current brochures and other print materials to create a consistent look for your group. If you would like us to incorporate any of the visual themes on your current print materials, please bring copies of those materials with you to the initial design meeting. Also, please let us know if University Marketing and Communications is developing any print materials for you so that we may coordinate our efforts.

Development Phase:

Once all of the initial content has been developed and edited, IWSS will begin working on the design. IWSS graphic designers will schedule an initial meeting with you to discuss your design goals and ideas. The graphic designers will use your comments to develop three preliminary paper designs. You will then have the opportunity to review those designs, and either choose one design you like or identify elements that you like and dislike in each, and propose any changes.

Maintenance Phase:

After the initial project is complete, your own Visual Designer will primarily be responsible for changing visual elements, such as photos, on the site on a regular basis.