Website Builder Checklist for Developers

Understanding Friend-Proof Design Principles

Friend-proof design is not about creating a website that looks pretty—it's about creating a website that your non-technical friend can maintain, update, and troubleshoot without calling you at 2 AM. This requires a fundamental shift in how developers approach web design.

94%

of website maintenance failures occur because users don't understand how to make basic updates

The Three Pillars of Friend-Proof Design

Intuitive

Users should understand how to make changes without documentation. If it requires explanation, it's not intuitive enough.

Safe

Changes should be impossible to break. Provide visual feedback, undo capabilities, and preview before publishing.

Maintainable

The code should be clean, documented, and require zero ongoing maintenance from the developer.

"The best website is the one your client can update themselves without breaking anything. If they need you to make every small change, you've failed at design."

— Senior Developer, 15+ years experience

Why Most Websites Fail Non-Technical Users

Mistake #1: Over-Engineering the Interface

Developers often create complex admin panels with advanced features that non-technical users will never use. This adds confusion and increases the learning curve.

Mistake #2: Assuming Technical Knowledge

Using technical terminology (cache, database, deployment, Git) without explaining what these mean in simple language.

Mistake #3: No Visual Feedback

Users don't know if their changes were saved, if something went wrong, or what happens next. Always provide clear feedback.

Mistake #4: Missing Documentation

If it requires documentation to use, it's not friend-proof. Documentation should be a last resort, not the primary instruction method.

The 7 Core Principles of Friend-Proof Website Design

These seven principles form the foundation of every friend-proof website. Master these, and you'll never worry about recommendation anxiety again.

1

Principle of Least Surprise

Users should be able to predict what will happen when they click a button or make a change. If a user's action produces an unexpected result, they lose confidence in the system.

✅ Best Practice

• Use standard UI patterns (buttons look clickable, links are blue and underlined)
• Label buttons with clear action words (Save, Delete, Preview, Publish)
• Avoid hidden features or non-obvious interactions
• Confirm destructive actions with a warning dialog

// ✅ GOOD: Clear, predictable button
<button class="btn btn-primary">
    <i class="fas fa-save"></i> Save Changes
</button>

// ❌ BAD: Unclear what will happen
<button class="btn">
    <i class="fas fa-arrow-right"></i>
</button>

2

Principle of Progressive Disclosure

Show only the information and options needed for the current task. Hide advanced options behind expandable sections or "More Options" buttons.

✅ Best Practice

• Start with 3-5 essential fields, hide the rest
• Use collapsible sections for advanced options
• Provide tooltips for fields that might be confusing
• Use step-by-step wizards for complex tasks

// ✅ GOOD: Essential fields visible, advanced hidden
<form>
    <div class="form-group">
        <label>Page Title</label>
        <input type="text" required>
    </div>
    
    <details>
        <summary>Advanced Options</summary>
        <div class="advanced-fields">
            <label>Meta Description</label>
            <input type="text">
        </div>
    </details>
</form>

3

Principle of Feedback and Visibility

The system should always keep users informed about what's happening. Every action should have immediate, clear feedback.

✅ Best Practice

• Show loading states for long-running operations
• Display success messages after saves
• Show error messages with clear explanation and next steps
• Use color coding (green for success, red for errors)
• Display current page location in breadcrumbs

// ✅ GOOD: Clear feedback at every step
function saveChanges() {
    showLoadingSpinner();
    
    fetch('/api/save', { method: 'POST', body: formData })
        .then(response => {
            hideLoadingSpinner();
            showSuccessMessage('Changes saved successfully!');
        })
        .catch(error => {
            hideLoadingSpinner();
            showErrorMessage('Failed to save. Please try again.');
        });
}

4

Principle of Error Prevention

Design the system to prevent errors from happening in the first place. It's better to prevent a mistake than to recover from it.

✅ Best Practice

• Disable buttons when the form is invalid
• Show real-time validation feedback
• Confirm before deleting or publishing
• Save drafts automatically
• Prevent duplicate submissions

// ✅ GOOD: Prevent errors before they happen
<form>
    <input type="email" 
           required 
           pattern="[a-z0-9._%+\-]+@[a-z0-9.\-]+\.[a-z]{2,}$"
           onchange="validateEmail(this)">
    <span class="error-message" id="emailError"></span>
    
    <button type="submit" id="submitBtn" disabled>
        Submit
    </button>
</form>

<script>
document.querySelector('input[type="email"]')
    .addEventListener('change', function() {
        document.getElementById('submitBtn').disabled = !this.validity.valid;
    });
</script>

5

Principle of Consistency

Use the same patterns, terminology, and visual design throughout the entire system. Consistency reduces the learning curve.

✅ Best Practice

• Use the same button styles for similar actions
• Use consistent terminology (don't say "Save" in one place and "Update" in another)
• Place navigation in the same location on every page
• Use a consistent color scheme for status indicators

6

Principle of Accessibility

Design for everyone, including people with disabilities. Accessible design is also more usable for all users.

✅ Best Practice

• Use proper heading hierarchy (h1, h2, h3)
• Provide alt text for all images
• Ensure sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 minimum)
• Make all interactive elements keyboard accessible
• Use ARIA labels for screen readers

// ✅ GOOD: Accessible form
<label for="email">Email Address</label>
<input id="email" type="email" required 
       aria-label="Email address"
       aria-required="true">

<button aria-label="Save changes to profile">
    Save
</button>

<img src="profile.jpg" alt="User profile picture">

7

Principle of Simplicity

Remove everything that's not essential. Every element should have a purpose. If something can be removed without reducing functionality, remove it.

✅ Best Practice

• Use white space effectively
• Minimize the number of clicks to complete a task
• Use simple, clear language
• Avoid unnecessary animations or decorations
• Focus on one primary action per screen

Pre-Build Checklist: Planning Phase

Before you write a single line of code, complete this 15-item checklist to ensure your project is set up for success.

Development Checklist: Building Phase

Use this 20-item checklist while building the website to ensure it meets friend-proof standards.

Post-Launch Checklist: Maintenance Phase

After launch, use this 15-item checklist to ensure long-term success and maintainability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

These are the mistakes that turn friend-proof websites into relationship-destroying nightmares. Learn from others' failures.

Mistake #1: Building on WordPress "Because Everyone Uses It"

WordPress is powerful for developers but a nightmare for non-technical users. Constant updates, plugin conflicts, security vulnerabilities, and the expectation of ongoing support.

✅ Better Alternative

Use GitPage.site, Publii, or another friend-proof platform. Zero maintenance, complete export freedom, and no 2 AM phone calls.

Mistake #2: Creating a Complex Admin Dashboard

You build a feature-rich admin panel with advanced options. Your friend gets overwhelmed and confused. They call you for every small change.

✅ Better Approach

Start with the simplest possible interface. Hide advanced options behind "More Settings" buttons. Make the common tasks obvious.

Mistake #3: Using Technical Jargon in Error Messages

Error: "Database connection failed on query execution." Your friend has no idea what this means. They panic and call you.

✅ Better Approach

Error: "Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes. If this keeps happening, contact support." Clear, friendly, actionable.

Mistake #4: No Auto-Save or Draft Functionality

Your friend writes a long blog post, accidentally closes the browser, and loses everything. They're furious and blame you.

✅ Better Approach

Auto-save every 30 seconds. Show a draft indicator. Recover lost work automatically. Users should never lose their work.

Mistake #5: No Preview Before Publishing

Your friend publishes a page with broken formatting. They don't know how to fix it. You have to log in and fix it for them.

✅ Better Approach

Always provide a preview. Show exactly how the page will look before they publish. Let them review and approve changes.

Mistake #6: Requiring Technical Setup (Git, Command Line, SSH)

You recommend Hugo or Jekyll. Your friend has no idea what Git is. They can't publish changes without your help.

✅ Better Approach

Use platforms with visual editors. One-click publishing. No command line, no Git knowledge required. Make it as simple as WordPress but without the maintenance burden.

Mistake #7: Locking Content Into a Proprietary Format

Your friend wants to migrate to a different platform. Their content is stuck in your custom system. They're dependent on you forever.

✅ Better Approach

Use portable formats (HTML, Markdown, JSON). Allow complete data export. Your friend should be able to leave anytime without losing their content.

Mistake #8: No Documentation or Training

You launch the site and assume your friend will figure it out. They don't. Every small question becomes a support request.

✅ Better Approach

Create comprehensive documentation with screenshots and videos. Conduct live training. Test that they can perform key tasks independently.

Mistake #9: Vague Support Boundaries

You don't explicitly say what support you'll provide. Your friend expects unlimited help. You get resentful about the time commitment.

✅ Better Approach

Be explicit: "I'll provide 3 months of support for bug fixes. After that, you're on your own or we can discuss a maintenance plan." Document this in writing.

Mistake #10: Not Testing on Real Devices

The site looks perfect on your Mac. Your friend opens it on their iPhone and it's broken. They blame you.

✅ Better Approach

Test on actual devices: iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows, Mac. Use browser tools to simulate different screen sizes. Make sure it works everywhere.

Code Examples & Best Practices

Real code examples showing how to implement friend-proof design patterns.

Example 1: User-Friendly Form with Real-Time Validation

<!-- Friend-Proof Form Example -->
<form id="contactForm" class="form-container">
    <div class="form-group">
        <label for="name">Your Name</label>
        <input 
            id="name" 
            type="text" 
            required 
            placeholder="John Smith"
            minlength="2"
            maxlength="100"
            onchange="validateField(this)">
        <span class="error-message" id="nameError"></span>
        <span class="help-text">We need this to know who you are</span>
    </div>

    <div class="form-group">
        <label for="email">Email Address</label>
        <input 
            id="email" 
            type="email" 
            required 
            placeholder="john@example.com"
            onchange="validateField(this)">
        <span class="error-message" id="emailError"></span>
        <span class="help-text">We'll use this to contact you back</span>
    </div>

    <button type="submit" id="submitBtn" class="btn btn-primary">
        <i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i> Send Message
    </button>
</form>

<script>
function validateField(field) {
    const errorElement = document.getElementById(field.id + 'Error');
    
    if (field.type === 'email') {
        if (!field.value.includes('@')) {
            errorElement.textContent = 'Please enter a valid email';
            field.classList.add('error');
        } else {
            errorElement.textContent = '';
            field.classList.remove('error');
        }
    }
    
    updateSubmitButton();
}

function updateSubmitButton() {
    const form = document.getElementById('contactForm');
    const submitBtn = document.getElementById('submitBtn');
    submitBtn.disabled = !form.checkValidity();
}

document.getElementById('contactForm').addEventListener('submit', async (e) => {
    e.preventDefault();
    
    const submitBtn = document.getElementById('submitBtn');
    submitBtn.disabled = true;
    submitBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-spinner fa-spin"></i> Sending...';
    
    try {
        const response = await fetch('/api/contact', {
            method: 'POST',
            body: new FormData(e.target)
        });
        
        if (response.ok) {
            showSuccessMessage('Message sent! We\'ll get back to you soon.');
            e.target.reset();
        } else {
            showErrorMessage('Something went wrong. Please try again.');
        }
    } catch (error) {
        showErrorMessage('Connection error. Please check your internet and try again.');
    } finally {
        submitBtn.disabled = false;
        submitBtn.innerHTML = '<i class="fas fa-paper-plane"></i> Send Message';
    }
}
</script>

Example 2: Content Editor with Preview and Auto-Save

<!-- Friend-Proof Content Editor -->
<div class="editor-container">
    <div class="editor-header">
        <h2>Edit Page</h2>
        <span class="save-status" id="saveStatus"></span>
    </div>

    <div class="editor-body">
        <div class="editor-panel">
            <textarea id="pageContent" placeholder="Enter your content here..."></textarea>
            <div class="editor-actions">
                <button id="previewBtn" class="btn btn-secondary">
                    <i class="fas fa-eye"></i> Preview
                </button>
                <button id="publishBtn" class="btn btn-primary">
                    <i class="fas fa-rocket"></i> Publish
                </button>
            </div>
        </div>

        <div class="preview-panel" id="previewPanel" style="display:none;">
            <h3>Preview</h3>
            <div id="previewContent" class="preview-content"></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<script>
let autoSaveTimer;
let lastSavedContent = '';

const editor = document.getElementById('pageContent');
const saveStatus = document.getElementById('saveStatus');

// Auto-save every 30 seconds
editor.addEventListener('input', () => {
    clearTimeout(autoSaveTimer);
    saveStatus.textContent = 'Unsaved changes...';
    saveStatus.classList.add('unsaved');
    
    autoSaveTimer = setTimeout(autoSave, 30000);
});

async function autoSave() {
    if (editor.value === lastSavedContent) return;
    
    try {
        const response = await fetch('/api/save-draft', {
            method: 'POST',
            headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
            body: JSON.stringify({ content: editor.value })
        });
        
        if (response.ok) {
            lastSavedContent = editor.value;
            saveStatus.textContent = '✓ Saved';
            saveStatus.classList.remove('unsaved');
            saveStatus.classList.add('saved');
        }
    } catch (error) {
        saveStatus.textContent = 'Save failed. Retrying...';
    }
}

document.getElementById('previewBtn').addEventListener('click', () => {
    document.getElementById('previewContent').innerHTML = editor.value;
    document.getElementById('previewPanel').style.display = 'block';
});

document.getElementById('publishBtn').addEventListener('click', () => {
    if (confirm('Are you sure you want to publish this?')) {
        autoSave().then(() => {
            fetch('/api/publish', {
                method: 'POST',
                body: JSON.stringify({ content: editor.value })
            }).then(() => {
                alert('✓ Page published successfully!');
            });
        });
    }
});
</script>

Example 3: Accessible Navigation Component

<!-- Friend-Proof Accessible Navigation -->
<nav class="navigation" role="navigation" aria-label="Main navigation">
    <button class="menu-toggle" id="menuToggle" aria-expanded="false">
        <i class="fas fa-bars"></i>
        <span class="sr-only">Toggle menu</span>
    </button>

    <ul class="nav-list" id="navList" aria-hidden="true">
        <li><a href="/">Home</a></li>
        <li><a href="/about">About</a></li>
        <li class="dropdown">
            <button class="dropdown-toggle" aria-expanded="false">
                Services <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i>
            </button>
            <ul class="dropdown-menu">
                <li><a href="/services/web-design">Web Design</a></li>
                <li><a href="/services/development">Development</a></li>
            </ul>
        </li>
        <li><a href="/contact">Contact</a></li>
    </ul>
</nav>

<script>
// Mobile menu toggle
const menuToggle = document.getElementById('menuToggle');
const navList = document.getElementById('navList');

menuToggle.addEventListener('click', () => {
    const isOpen = menuToggle.getAttribute('aria-expanded') === 'true';
    menuToggle.setAttribute('aria-expanded', !isOpen);
    navList.setAttribute('aria-hidden', isOpen);
    navList.classList.toggle('open');
});

// Keyboard navigation
navList.addEventListener('keydown', (e) => {
    if (e.key === 'Escape') {
        menuToggle.setAttribute('aria-expanded', 'false');
        navList.setAttribute('aria-hidden', 'true');
        navList.classList.remove('open');
    }
});
</script>

Interactive Checklist & Downloads

Use this interactive checklist to track your progress. Check items off as you complete them. You can also download a PDF version for offline use.

Tip: Use This Checklist for Every Project

Save this page as a bookmark or print it out. Use it as a template for every website you build.

Download PDF Checklist

Get a printable PDF version of all 50+ checklist items. Perfect for printing or sharing with your team.

Download Excel Spreadsheet

Editable spreadsheet with all checklist items. Add your own items and track completion status.

Quick Checklist Summary

15

Pre-Build Items

20

Development Items

15

Post-Launch Items

50+

Total Items

Testing & Quality Assurance

A friend-proof website must be thoroughly tested before launch. This section covers the essential testing checklist.

Functional Testing Checklist

All forms submit correctly

Test every form with valid and invalid data. Check that data is saved correctly.

All links work

Use a tool like Broken Link Checker to find dead links.

Navigation works on all pages

Can users navigate to every page? Is the menu consistent?

Search functionality works (if applicable)

Can users find what they're looking for?

User can complete key tasks

Have a non-technical person try to use the site. Can they do what they need to?

Performance Testing

Page load time under 3 seconds

Use Google PageSpeed Insights. Optimize images, minify CSS/JS.

Lighthouse score above 90

Performance, Accessibility, Best Practices, SEO. All should be green.

No console errors

Open developer tools. Are there any JavaScript errors?

Images optimized

Use WebP format, compress with TinyPNG, lazy load below the fold.

Compatibility Testing

Browser	Desktop	Mobile	Notes
Chrome	✓ Test	✓ Test	Most common browser
Firefox	✓ Test	✓ Test	Growing market share
Safari	✓ Test	✓ Test	Required for iOS
Edge	✓ Test	✓ Test	Windows default

Accessibility Testing

Keyboard navigation works

Can you navigate using only Tab and Enter keys?

Screen reader compatible

Test with NVDA or JAWS. Use semantic HTML.

Color contrast sufficient

Use WebAIM contrast checker. Minimum 4.5:1 for text.

All images have alt text

Describe what the image shows, not "image of..."

FAQ & Implementation Guide

Q: How long should I spend on each checklist phase?

A: Pre-Build (1-2 days) → Development (varies by project) → Post-Launch (1-2 days). The post-launch phase is critical but often skipped.

Q: What if my friend doesn't understand the platform?

A: Create a video tutorial. Walk through the most common tasks (adding a blog post, updating contact info). Make it visual and simple.

Q: How do I handle scope creep?

A: Define scope upfront. Document what's included and what's not. When new requests come in, discuss them separately. Don't add features without renegotiating.

Q: What's the best way to set support boundaries?

A: Be explicit and written: "I'll provide 3 months of email support for bug fixes. After that, you can hire me for ongoing support at $X/month." Document this in the project agreement.

Q: How do I know if my site is truly friend-proof?

A: The real test: Can your non-technical friend use it independently for 3 months without calling you? If yes, it's friend-proof. If no, you need to simplify.

Q: Should I use a CMS or static site?

A: For non-technical users, use a platform like GitPage.site that combines the simplicity of static sites with the editing capabilities of a CMS. Avoid complex systems.

Q: What if they want to add complex features later?

A: Plan for this upfront. Use a platform that's scalable. Make it clear that complex features require additional development work and cost.

Q: How often should I check in on the website?

A: Monthly for the first 3 months, then quarterly. Check for errors, security issues, performance problems. Be proactive.

Implementation Timeline: Your First Friend-Proof Project

1

Week 1: Planning & Discovery

✓ Meet with your friend to understand their needs
✓ Complete the Pre-Build Checklist
✓ Define support boundaries in writing
✓ Choose a friend-proof platform

2

Weeks 2-3: Development

✓ Build the website using friend-proof principles
✓ Complete the Development Checklist
✓ Test thoroughly (functional, performance, accessibility)
✓ Create user documentation

3

Week 4: Launch & Training

✓ Deploy the website
✓ Conduct live training with your friend
✓ Have them perform key tasks while you watch
✓ Complete Post-Launch Checklist

4

Months 2-3: Support & Optimization

✓ Provide active support for first 3 months
✓ Monitor performance and fix issues
✓ Gather feedback and make improvements
✓ Plan for long-term maintenance

You're Ready to Build Friend-Proof Websites

Use this checklist for every project. Master these principles and you'll never experience recommendation anxiety again.

Download Complete Checklist PDF

The Friend-Proof Website Builder Checklist for Developers: Master the Art of User-Friendly Design

What You'll Master With This Checklist

Table of Contents

Understanding Friend-Proof Design Principles

The Three Pillars of Friend-Proof Design

Intuitive

Safe

Maintainable

Why Most Websites Fail Non-Technical Users

Mistake #1: Over-Engineering the Interface

Mistake #2: Assuming Technical Knowledge

Mistake #3: No Visual Feedback

Mistake #4: Missing Documentation

The 7 Core Principles of Friend-Proof Website Design

Principle of Least Surprise

✅ Best Practice

Principle of Progressive Disclosure

✅ Best Practice

Principle of Feedback and Visibility

✅ Best Practice

Principle of Error Prevention

✅ Best Practice

Principle of Consistency

✅ Best Practice

Principle of Accessibility

✅ Best Practice

Principle of Simplicity

✅ Best Practice

Pre-Build Checklist: Planning Phase

Development Checklist: Building Phase

Post-Launch Checklist: Maintenance Phase

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Building on WordPress "Because Everyone Uses It"

✅ Better Alternative

Mistake #2: Creating a Complex Admin Dashboard

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #3: Using Technical Jargon in Error Messages

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #4: No Auto-Save or Draft Functionality

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #5: No Preview Before Publishing

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #6: Requiring Technical Setup (Git, Command Line, SSH)

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #7: Locking Content Into a Proprietary Format

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #8: No Documentation or Training

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #9: Vague Support Boundaries

✅ Better Approach

Mistake #10: Not Testing on Real Devices

✅ Better Approach

Code Examples & Best Practices

Example 1: User-Friendly Form with Real-Time Validation

Example 2: Content Editor with Preview and Auto-Save

Example 3: Accessible Navigation Component

Interactive Checklist & Downloads

Tip: Use This Checklist for Every Project

Download PDF Checklist

Download Excel Spreadsheet

Quick Checklist Summary

Testing & Quality Assurance

Functional Testing Checklist

Performance Testing

Compatibility Testing

Accessibility Testing

FAQ & Implementation Guide

Q: How long should I spend on each checklist phase?

Q: What if my friend doesn't understand the platform?

Q: How do I handle scope creep?

Q: What's the best way to set support boundaries?

Q: How do I know if my site is truly friend-proof?

Q: Should I use a CMS or static site?

Q: What if they want to add complex features later?

Q: How often should I check in on the website?

Implementation Timeline: Your First Friend-Proof Project

Week 1: Planning & Discovery

Weeks 2-3: Development

Week 4: Launch & Training

Months 2-3: Support & Optimization