web site development best practices, design or code by first?

Question

I'm using an MVC framework to develop a web site, I've to care about the design in the sense of look and feel (views) and the code (models, controllers).

I don't know what is the best way to proceed:

• code and design iteratively by small chunks?
• design first ?
• you've got the point

Answer 1

I suggest you design first - it can be a rough design with a pencil/paper but it will give you an idea of what information should go on the page in what manner. This will help you with your views and controller logic. Dont' worry too much about colours at this point.

I always feel it is better to do things iteratively. Design a page or two, construct the model and controller relative to that page, and repeat for other pages.

Sometimes if you spend too long in your models and controllers and neglect your views, you'll end up doing way more or way less than what you need.

Answer 2

The 37 Signals (the source or Ruby on Rails and some really cool web apps) book Getting Real advocates working from the interface down. It gives you a better sense of how the site will be used before you do too much back end implementation.

Here is the specific chapter: From ideas to implementation.

PS: Read the whole book, it's brief and a really good overall philosophy for building things the way they should be build. And no I am not affiliated with them in any way.