Single-Stage Design Process

The standard website design process is from 5 to 7 stages and is a one-way process. 

WebAsOne provides the single-sage website design process, so the website can last as long as CSS/HTML/Javascript exists.

All WebAsOne websites are built from the same super template, including single-page or 1000-page complicated websites. 

The super template has enough blocks/divs for websites of all complexities. Only the blocks/divs used will be part of the final website page source.

Because all websites originate from the same super template, they can all be converted to become each other. Website A can be converted to website B. 

We tend to think based on our past experiences. Sometimes, our past is the biggest hurdle to trying new things. The best way to understand is to use the platform directly.

The single-stage platform takes me 20 years to iterate. Taking customers before it is ready will significantly hinder the progress, and the iteration R&D costs will skyrocket. This approach is against almost all start-up advice. Investors want to see tractions/customers ASAP as evidence of product fits, which is valid for most industries. This is why I have to do it alone. This is my lifelong mission. I thoroughly enjoy the process. I believe software should be in its category, and I will have another blog on this subject. 

WebAsOne always sees the project as a one-stage process, which differs from a multi-stage process. There is no difference between development/test/deployed environments. Like the current 170-page deployed https://design.asonedemo.com  website, which continuously adds new design blocks, it is also my development website. WebAsOne keeps all the documents, including video scripts, blogs, the management website doc, or how-to, in a website, currently 286 pages.

The platform matures slowly and has many iterations. Every issue WebAsOne encounters is always fixed in the context of the single-state process. In the multi-state process, the solution is solved in a state, which could be a new process or test.

Next, I will cover the technical architecture.

There are two types of servers: the management server and the hosting server. A $12-monthly VSP server can manage more than 100 remote-hosted average-size websites.

The current website-building platform can build similar websites. Granted, some capable users can use these platforms easily. Many users still need professional webmasters to help. All technologies require iterations to create a professional custom website. Because of the iterations, a good custom website is expensive.  The goal of WebAsOne is to provide instant iteration.

The current website platform can build similar websites. The next battle is who can provide the lowest agency's operation cost and the best value to end customer win. This is where WebAsOne shines.

WebAsOne stores a website in the management server's directory of files and subdirectories to separate data from logic. Every website update starts by reading the files, processing them, and updating the website files on the hosting server. A directory copy can duplicate or migrate the website to a different server.

A page is made of a single or multiple blocks. Replacing, deleting, or moving the blocks is quick and easy. The WebAsOne block can contain (1) page code, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP, and (2) server integration files, including PHP, JavaScript, and others. This is the hardest part, which must take care of many details.

WebAsOne is a vertically integrated website process platform. To use it, copy the integrated design block from https://design.asonedemo.com, which is integrated-ready. For example, an email subscription block can be used by updating the email server setting in the block editor. Stripe payment integration blocks can be used by updating the API credential in the block editor. The possible applications are endless. 

This is the holy grill of a website platform - (1) to make reusable, integrated components, (2) adding, deleting, or rearranging is an easy, robust, instant process. 

Duplicate an existing 10-page website in 10 minutes.
   (1) Use design GUI to assemble the layout blocks of a page in minutes. 
   (2) Drop the designs into the layout blocks and replace the content.

In summary, the super template can be used in almost all website layout scenarios, and the change can be made at any time.  All design blocks can be changed easily.

This is a single-stage website design process platform.

	Multi Stages Process	Single Stage Process
Website builders, CMS, and Website Platforms	WordPress, WebFlow, Wix, Squarespace ...	WebAsOne
One-Way Process	Yes	No
Website average lifespan	3 years	10+ years
Customization of a deployed website	Very limited	Almost no limitation
Use template	individual templates for each website	One super template, all websites use the same template
Productized/Turnkey website	No	Yes
Website code reuse	Limited and very deep understanding	Build in mechanism
Technologies upgrade	Most likely has issues with backward compatibilities	Continuous improving
Website operation	Maybe, but difficult.	One-click duplicate, one-click redeploy.
Module development	Mostly self-development, Costly to development	Easy-to-use codes from different sources, Integration cost