Our Process
→ How we do things
1. RFP / Proposal
Once you fill out the brief RFP (request for proposal) we will take 2-3 days to review it and then send over a proposal for the project. If the exact details/specs are not clear, we will work with you to finalize the project scope so we can develop a proper proposal.
2. Design Brief
Once the proposal is signed and we received a 50% down payment we will send over our Design Brief. This questionnaire helps us better understand the style/tone/personality you are looking for in your site. Without this we would never know if you were looking for fun and fresh, new yet refined, professional but not uptight, or however you might describe your site.
3. Wireframes / IA
The most essential stage of the entire project. This is the skeleton of the site; what holds it all together. We will present a website mock-up with no colors, detail or actual content… just black lines/a sketch for you to review how the content will be laid out/organized. Once this stage is over, the skeleton of the site has been built, and no drastic changes to layout should be made.
4. Design UI / Prototyping / Graphic Design
This is the juicy part - we will introduce color and graphics onto the wireframes. Here is where we go back to the brief to understand the look and feel of your brand and how you want to communicate to your clientele. We will send you an email with attachments or links to PDFs of the design.
5. Build XHTML / CSS / Javascript / CMS
The design is ready and now you’re just chomping at the bit to turn it in to a card carrying member of the internet. Good, we’re just the folks to help! We specialize in standards-based development as well as in the implementation of several Content Management Systems that will bring the most out of your site with dynamic content and interaction.
Once the wireframs and designs are signed off, the coding begins. We get to work usually by utilizing a Content Management System (ie. ExpressionEngine, Wordpress) or via HTML—almost always web-standard complaint. It is also during this phase where we would implement any additional development work/functionality that has been briefed.
6. Manage / Analysis / Maintenance
Your site may be complete but that doesn’t mean it is 100% finished. Once approved we will spend a bit more time ensuring full functionality, fixing cross-browser bugs (IE6, IE7, Safari), and resolving any other issues that creep-up. We also are happy to do broader company training, ensuring compatibility and usability—as most designs are not static.
7. Go Live
Once everything is approved and we receive the final 50% balance due, we flip the switch and start tracking the results. We also monitor the site for an additional 10 days to make sure everything we built is functioning properly.