Not every engagement needs the same amount of discovery, design or development. I keep the stages flexible, but the sequence below explains how I move from uncertainty to a deliverable that can be reviewed and implemented. Smaller projects can combine stages, while larger products can repeat them feature by feature.
01Step
Define pages and functionality
I map the required routes, content types, forms, data sources, user roles and integrations before coding begins.
The project starts with a clear technical boundary instead of accumulating unrelated features during implementation.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
02Step
Plan reusable structure
I identify shared headers, footers, cards, forms, layout containers, PHP includes and CSS patterns that should not be duplicated.
Future changes can be made in fewer places and visual consistency is easier to protect.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
03Step
Build semantic page markup
I create the HTML structure around real content and intended hierarchy before adding decorative styling.
The site has a strong accessibility and SEO foundation even before visual refinement.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
04Step
Implement responsive styling
I apply the design system with CSS variables, Grid, Flexbox, responsive spacing and component states.
The visual experience remains coherent across common viewport sizes.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
05Step
Add PHP behavior
I implement templates, routing, forms, database access or server side rendering required by the project.
Dynamic functionality stays connected to a predictable server side structure.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
06Step
Add JavaScript progressively
I add interactive behavior only where it improves usability and keep content accessible through standard HTML whenever practical.
The site avoids unnecessary script dependency and remains easier to debug.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
07Step
Test quality and performance
I review responsive layouts, forms, links, errors, console issues, asset sizes, metadata and key PageSpeed opportunities.
Common launch problems are identified before deployment.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.
08Step
Prepare deployment and handoff
I package files, review environment specific configuration and document the important editable or operational areas.
The project can be moved to hosting with fewer surprises and future updates have a clearer starting point.
At this stage I document the decision at the level the team actually needs. That can mean a simple approved direction for a small website or a more explicit set of states, components and notes for a product with several contributors. The goal is enough clarity to move forward confidently without creating documentation that nobody will maintain.
Feedback is most useful when it is tied to the objective of the stage. I separate preference from functional risk, explain tradeoffs when there are multiple valid options and refine the solution without losing the underlying hierarchy. This keeps review focused and prevents late changes from accidentally undoing earlier decisions.