- The site will be created in HTML as opposed to Flash since everyone does not have Flash and maybe be reluctant to download it
- The site will be linked to a searchable database (linked to current database using Microsoft ASP) to allow its users (customers) to use the website easily and efficiently
- The database will also include a search facility starting with the user being able to input the type of car they have and from there being given a range of options leading to the relevant car part or product
- The company logo will be used throughout the website to achieve recognition and a unique brand and name. This will be the same logo which is out on the shop itself
- The site will have to incorporate many images, that are quickly downloaded therefore large web space
- An effective shopping cart allowing the users (customers) to purchase products confidently and securely over the internet.
- Personal email address to allow sufficient contact between the business and its electronic customers while also allowing the ability for customers to query desirable products.
- Separate pages for each category, i.e. page for wheels, page for engine parts, page for car audio, etc
User needs
The main users of the website will be people who own cars (Class C1, C2, D and possibly A and B, these would probably buy car audio since it does not require as much work as fitting in a car part) and possibly mechanics from car garages, here they will order when they require particular parts and are not available from elsewhere. The user needs have been investigated and researched by asking questions to existing customers and people who have used the internet to purchase parts and accessories for their car, the following are profiles of possible users and what they will require from this website.
User 1:
Name: Harpreet Singh
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Car: Ford Fiesta XR2i
Internet shopper: Yes
From this user what was found was, this type of user required the website to have images for as many car parts and products possible. They would like for the car audio section to have an image of the product alongside a full specification list, this will allow the user to view the product as well as reading up on the features and options of the particular product. They would also like the option of having an image of a car and then being able to change the wheels to different types of alloys which in return would give them an idea of how the particular alloys would look on a car.
One of this type of user category would have liked the option of being able to test the sound quality of CD players, this obviously would not be possible but what was found from this was that most buyers buy CD players and general car audio because of its brand and alongside this they would also rely on the features the system carries to ensure they are happy with the product they are about to purchase.
The user would expect the prices of car audio and alloy wheels to be reasonable and possibly given the opportunity of being able to do price comparisons with other similar websites.
User 2:
Name: Robert Mason
Age: 28
Occupation: Auto Mechanic
Car: Renault Laguna
Internet shopper: Yes
This type of user would expect a large range of parts for a majority of cars. He would also expect many electrical accessories such as speakers, stereos and all forms of wiring and fuses.
Both of these users have excellent knowledge of the internet and they use it for information and shopping and would both expect transactions to be made securely and deliveries within reasonable times.
Objectives
The primary objective of the site is to introduce ZAK Autospare to a wider range of customers and to increase their customer base. The rest of the objectives are listed below:
- Allow regular customers and new customers to purchase through the internet, which in return will provide more sales
- Show full description of products available with clear images, which are quickly downloaded with prices alongside
- Since the business already has a logo, a new logo will not have to be created, this logo will be used through out the website to remind the user whose site they are on and reinforce this name, so that when they think of car parts and audio they think of Zak Autospare
- An email facility to provide thorough contact between customers and business
- Show the latest range of products, which will be updated regularly to ensure customers have a wide and latest range of products to choose from
- Ensure customer satisfaction with product guarantees and the option of returning products with in 14 days with a receipt and the product being unused, this is all currently available from Zak Autospare
Explanation of reasons for treatment
The initial idea was to create the website in Flash but after discussion, the decision was made to crate it using HTML. Even though the website would probably look better produced in Flash, many people do not have Flash and these people may not wish to download Flash in order to view this website, so it would be a better idea to produce the website in HTML instead. The owner and manager are familiar with HTML, which gives them a greater understanding as to how the website operates. Alongside this, the cost of the producing the website in Flash would be higher than a normal HTML site.
The website will be linked to Zak Autospare’s current database which is produced in Microsoft Access 97, the two shall be linked using Microsoft Asp’s, the scripts will be of searching (searching the website through the database) as well as adding (when an order is placed) and subtracting (when an order is removed or cancelled). The reason for using Asp is because this is used by many websites and is also known by the manager of Zak Autospare. The Asp creation is cheaper when linked to a HTML site opposed to a Flash site, so this will help keep costs low. This option is ideal since most sites are connected to Access databases with the use of Asp’s, rather than business owners linking sites to databases produced in SQL, etc.
At first it was decided that the site would be named but after discussion it was decided that this name was slightly long winded and not very ‘snappy’, so it was decided that the site would be named , which was an excellent name, snappy and punchy whilst being short and easy to remember but unfortunately this name was already in use so as an alternative the name was decided to be suitable, this name is still snappy and seems more friendly and warm. However the logos used on the site would still be named Zak, since this is the sign outside the shop itself.
Images will be order from product suppliers and companies, such as Pioneer will give images of all their products. On the site itself there will be images of the shop itself, since it is very attractive with various lights, etc. This will give the user a feel of the business they are dealing with.
Proposed contents
- Website compromising of the following pages:
- Homepage – welcoming the user with options of going to every other category (alloy wheels, car audio, car parts, etc)
- Search box on homepage to search through the site itself, allowing the user to immediate reach the section they require
- Alloy wheels page with a car allowing the user to select different wheels and view them on this car
- Car parts with the option of choosing the make and model of the car you require parts for
- Email section – here is where communication will flow between the user and Zak Autospare
- Shopping page – this will be linked to all products, thus allowing the user to click on desired product and from here purchase them
- The site will be linked to the database via the appropriate pages
Human resources
In order to produce the website the following professionals shall be employed:
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Producer – They will have the responsibility of day to day management of the everyone involved in the project and external clients and suppliers, they will work close with the project manager to ensure the project runs smoothly
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Project manager - This person will manage the whole production of the website and as a result will ensure the site is of a high standard and excellent quality.
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Web developer – In charge of creating the whole website, they will be familiar with HTML, JavaScript, Microsoft Asp, Microsoft Access and they will also be in charge of carrying out the entire testing of the website
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Copy writer - To produce all the necessary text required on the site and will also cover proof reading
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Graphic designer – They will supervise all photo shoots, generate ideas, generate overall design and icon generation
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Photographer – They will take all the photos of the shop itself to put on the website
Breakdown of Project
Tasks to be completed, all the below must be completed within six months, this is when the client would like the site to be ready for.
Step 1 - Planning – basic planning of the website, all tasks delegated
Step 2 - Technical engineering followed by back end implementation – here all the coding of the site will be implemented and the design interface will be put forward and all pages will be complete
Step 3 - Proofing – all the site will be tested, i.e. type proofing, links, download test, platform testing, browser testing
Step 4 - Ready for launch – at this stage the site will be complete and ready to operate
Schedule
Step Week Signoff
- 4
- 8
- 14
- 18
Costing
A complete breakdown of the cost can be found in appendix B
