In this **initial stage**, the designer needs to identify the end goal of the website design, usually in close collaboration with the client or other stakeholders. Questions to explore and answer in this stage of the design and website development process include:
In this **initial stage**, the designer needs to identify the end goal of the website design, usually in close collaboration with the client or other stakeholders. Questions to explore and answer in this stage of the design and website development process include:
* ### Who is the site for?
* Who is the site for?
* What do they hope to find or do there?
* What do they hope to find or do there?
* Is the main purpose of this website to inform, to sell (e-commerce, for everyone?), or to entertain?
* Is the main purpose of this website to inform, to sell (e-commerce, for everyone?), or to entertain?
* Does the website need to clearly convey the **brand's core message**, or is it part of a broader **brand strategy** with its own unique focus?
* Does the website need to clearly convey the **brand's core message**, or is it part of a broader **brand strategy** with its own unique focus?