1. The concept - typically drawings, words, models, code and basic prototypes that describe the nature, objectives and features of the website.
  2. Design document - a detailed plan of the website’s features and how it will display are generated from the concept and presented to potential publishers.
  3. Technology demo – a prototype that demonstrates the website’s technology, illustrating for example the presentation and registration services. This is produced for review so as to decide if concept is marketable.
  4. Browsable prototype or Vertical slice – normally a few sections of the website are produced with many of the website features in and working, this allows reviewers to get a feel for the site, the level of usability, the saleability of the product and technical risk involved in fully developing the website.
  5. ALPHA/BETA – these are the next major milestones that represent near completed websites, these are subject to extensive testing, compatibility and QA by both the developer and the publisher.
  6. Master – a completed, bug-free website approved by the customer and available online.