There are two types of subsite projects: Basic and Advanced. The scope and process for the project depends on which of these the client purchased.

BASIC SUBSITES

What are they? 

Unlike Design Themes - which are "skins" for only the interior pages - Basic subsites are "skins" for both the homepage AND interiors. This gives the department a more defined identity, including its own domain, but remains a part of the main site. So the core elements, layouts, widgets, and dimensions stay the same but gets its own styling.

In this first example, you can see how they changed the styling of the subsite from the main site, but the dimensions stayed the same. In this case, they added a 6th button to the call to action section. 

https://visioninternet.invisionapp.com/share/N6DOAIIJX

In this second example, they decided to keep the same styling of the main site for a cohesive brand feel, but removed a few sections. In this case, it was also approved to swap the search functionality. 

https://visioninternet.invisionapp.com/share/NVFY6J6Q5BZ

Materials

You will receive a wireframe, logo, photos, and usually some design direction or a survey filled out by the client. If the wireframe does not match the main site wireframe (ie. a new section has been added or different widgets have replaced the current ones) reach out to the PM to verify if these adjustments have been approved. Removing widgets/sections, however, is within the scope of a basic subsite so those do not require confirmation. 

File Set Up

For basic, ALWAYS start from the main site file, and save it as its own file. This will expedite the process as all the elements are already created and only need some style and text editing. If the subsite is for a project where the main site is a Photoshop file, use Photoshop instead of recreating everything in XD.

What to edit

• colors
• background imagery
• patterns/texture
• fonts
• text
• logo

What does NOT change

• layout/placement of elements
• dimensions

Saving files

Upload files to Box, using the same folder structure as with other processes. Within "Comps" create (if there is not already) a folder labeled "Subsites". In that folder create a subfolder for the relevant project > homepage > initial design

Uploading to Invision

Upload the comps within the main site project on Invision, do NOT create a new project. Add a new section, labeling it accordingly. 

ADVANCED SUBSITES

What are they?

Advanced subsites are treated as their own project going through the whole UX/Graphics Consulting Workshop as a regular new main site project. They are not limited to what the main site has and can look completely different.

Durham County is a great example to reference as they have many different advanced subsites.

Procedure

Follow the initial homepage design procedure.

Saving files

Upload files to Box, using the same folder structure as with other processes. Within "Comps" create (if there is not already) a folder labeled "Subsites". In that folder create a subfolder for the relevant project > homepage > initial design

Uploading to Invision

Advanced subsites will have their own project prototype on Invision (this should already exist). Do NOT add the comps under the main site project.