Production ProcessWe have developed an overall approach to web site construction that we use for all of our projects. The main goal is to explore all of the options available within a predefined scope and attempt to uncover as many potential questions as possible before the programming begins. We also incorporate some iterative cycling during the development phase to ensure the project is heading in the right direction. The steps below are what you can expect as your project moves through the production process. DiscoveryDuring our initial exploration of your project, we will work to define the overall functionality and build a preliminary site map to document the overall size of the site. Through this, we will work to gain a basic understanding of your site’s overall business objectives, and how it will be used during your day to day operations.Normally, we do not charge for our Discovery process, as it is designed to be a top level determination of the overall project. By producing a preliminary site map and functionality list, we are able to provide an overall project estimate that includes a set planning budget. It is during the planning phase where much of the work is accomplished. Once the planning budget is approved, we begin detailing the specifics the project. PlanningDuring the Planning process, we will work closely with you and your stakeholders to detail out all of the specifics of your site. Starting with the preliminary site map, we walk through each element and create a wireframe for each major page layout. Wireframes accomplish two major tasks: they define the page layout and they document the user interface for the navigation and the functionality. The wireframe process is very important to a successful project, as it helps bring together all the elements before the design and programming begin.At the end of the planning process, we provide the following documentation:
DevelopmentOnce we have set up an environment in which to work, the Development process initially split into three separate channels. These three channels are Design, Content, and Development, and once complete, are brought together to complete development.During the Design channel, we convert the wireframes to a graphical theme. We select a subset of the wireframes to design so that we can cover all of the various graphical needs of the site. The layouts of the wireframes fill in the rest. Once the final designs are approved, the final step is to convert them to an HTML prototype that is tested with all browsers. We also use the HTML prototype to test for various compliances and standards (XHTML, W3C, 508, SEO Prep, etc.), as it often serves as a code base for the entire site. In the Content channel we work to identify the content needs of the site, and the work can vary depending on the situation. In some situations, the content is being migrated from a current database or some static form and must be prepped for our system. In other cases, it must be generated from scratch. What we aim to do in this phase is ensure that we will have the content we need for launch and that we have identified how content will be managed once the site is live. Finally, in the areas where we will be customizing the platform, a software engineering process defines the various coding methods we will use. Examples of questions answered here are: what elements of the platform will be used and how, what are the database needs of each, and where will any custom code reside (in Perl or in Javascript, or a combination of both). Once these three channels are complete, we assemble the site using the site map as a guide, import all the content, and code the functionality. Through the process, regular reports are provided to keep you abreast of our progress and what may be available for preliminary testing. Once everything is together, we run the site through a comprehensive testing process. Here we test all the functionality and links, and perform any needed load testing. We ensure that our backups and site stats are operational. We also perform any needed training to ensure a smooth process to your team, as well as describe the changes that occur as we move the site to the maintenance group. Finally, we define any final punch list items that are needed to go live. We also discuss any additional work that may have arisen during development that was defined as outside the current scope of work. Once final approval is received, we push the site live. Design and InterfaceThe wireframes that we produce during our planning process is of the utmost importance to a successful web site project. We see these as site blueprints - plans on which everything else is constructed.We recommend that any designers involved in the project participate in the development of the wireframes. Wireframes determine both the layout and the user interface, and we have found that designers contribute significantly to both areas. We work with a number of different designers covering many different styles and disciplines. Often, designers accompany a client, or are even employed by a client. Other times, we rely on our network to provide graphic design production. In all cases, we work directly with the designers to help them provide the needed resources for our development team. We have provided a list of different sites we have worked on in the past. In many cases, the designer that created the site is available for this project. During the discovery phase, we will work with you on finding a specific designer that both meets your style requirements as well as your budgets. SchedulingWe recognize that schedules are important. We also understand that schedules are often used to measure the success of a project. However, through our research and personal experience, we have learned that schedules and programming do not always mix very well. Focusing solely on schedules can take the focus off of what we value more, quality.Anything that we build for our clients is going to be used as a foundation for a long time. Given that fact, what we build today needs to be of the utmost quality to guarantee success for tomorrow. Among the many reasons why we aim for quality first, this is one that we view as most important. To have a successful project, we approach the work by breaking it into many small tasks. This provides for more opportunities to review and adjust as needed. This iterative process can sometimes work against an overall schedule. It does, however, ensure the most efficient use of programming time, and produces a quality product. So our approach to the schedule is a little different. While we set a budget for our planning phase, we do not set a schedule. The main reason for this is that the planning phase is a creative and an exploratory one. We are learning about you and your business, and developing strategies and unique approaches for how the Internet and your web site can benefit your business. When the planning is complete, and the project is fully defined, we do provide time ranges for the respective tasks, and where possible, place those time ranges onto the calendar. From here, we can work with you to identify deliverable dates and aim for a time when the site is live. |