We will need to start this project by gathering information from the client about what the project's purpose is and who is expected to use it. There are many ways to get this information; the most obvious will be speaking directly to the client and any other key decision makers at the company.
The first step is to interview our client (the primary stakeholder).
We will not only need to discuss what type of assistance he is looking for, but take this opportunity to educate him on the design process we expect to use. This will likely bring to light tasks and needs he may not have thought of.
During our first meeting with the client, he tells us he wants to jump right into exploring what the website will look like, but doesn't know exactly where to start. At this point, we walk him through the design process that we expect to follow. We explain that before we can start mocking up the store, a little bit of research will need to be done.