What metaphor will I use?

Your choice of metaphor (theme) will determine how your pages evolve and what degree of detail is necessary to develop them. Some examples of metaphors might be a garage, an art gallery, factory, bakery, jukebox, or anything else you can imagine.

If you are developing a business website, your metaphor might focus on the type of product or service you offer. The elements of your site can directly tie into that theme. For example, a website that features cameras and photography equipment could use a background that resembles a strip of film. The icons for navigating through the site may consist of tiny cameras (or a camera, roll of film, flash bulb, photograph, or photo album). The logo could be a smaller version of the company logo found on brochures or catalogs.

What is important at this stage is that you focus on your metaphor and ensure the design decisions you employ are in keeping with it your theme. Whether realistic or symbolic; your icons, buttons, graphics, and content should remain clear in meaning, consistent in use and help to reinforce the theme you've selected. By adhering to this approach, you will save yourself many hours of "revision." Your website must convey a message in both written and unwritten form. Good thematic choice is your best bet in meeting that challenge.