Dell provided VML with core business themes (“verticals”) based on customer business goals, and an initial set of potential content.
We started the project by doing a Content Assessment of the proposed materials for quality and relevance. We identified gaps, and worked with the client to address them.
With an initial set of content identified, I proposed a simple way to organize the site which could easily be scaled internationally using a mix of global and country-specific content.
Next I used the created a keyed site map for both the USA and China to convey the kinds of content we had and how each element mapped back to both the themes and Dell’s Services & Solutions.
I wireframed the stories for each of four key page types, and identified a shared component set. With this, I worked with the visual designers to create sample pages to get approval on the visual approach.
With site structure, content, and design approved, we went into production to finalize and hand off the design and content assets for both the Chinese and USA sites.
VML Development built the web pages across both sites. Subsequently, I worked with our proofreading team and our translator to do a quality check on both the USA and Chinese sites.
In 14 weeks, we went from kickoff to launch, in time for the executive team to present the site at the Dell World event in China.
The Chinese and regional teams were enthusiastic with the results, and having the content, stories and imagery localized and/or market-specific – which enabled Dell and VML to move ahead with planning for a larger international rollout.