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Our process
Whether we do a small website or a complex Internet system we employ the same approach. We start by getting to know the clients and their needs and end with launching a solution that satisfies these needs. We do it by following a structured process. Please, find an outline here with details about every major step. Should you have questions, please let us know.
The chart below is an approximation of our process and the distribution of work in a typical project. For example, developing and testing account for only about half the work on the solution.
Propose and plan
Gather requirements
Build structure and interaction flow
Prototype
Develop and test
Launch and maintain
1. Propose and plan
Purpose
Outline the scope of the solution, estimate work duration and effort, and provide the client with a satisfactory idea about the solution and how it will be built.
Means
Discuss with client; gather requirements; create preliminary feature sets; sketch graphical concepts; plan.
Deliverable
Proposal followed by a contract. Development plan and schedule.
2. Gather requirements
Purpose
Get to know in detail the requirements for the solution. At this step we learn about:
- the client's business and needs;
- the users and their goals and tasks;
- the competitors and partners in the same industry.
Means
Talk to clients and/or their employees; interview current and prospective users; assess and analyze existing solutions.
Deliverable
Project concept: a detailed description of the scope, goals, users, content, navigation, look-and-feel, usage, and technical environment.
3. Build structure and interaction flow
Purpose
Create the framework with which the final solution will be delivered.
Means
Follow a set of steps:
- List the tasks that users will accomplish using the solution and order them in sequences to build scenarios.
- Based on the scenarios, build a mental model of how users organize the related information and actions (here we may work with users).
- Create a content model and match it to the mental model.
- Build the information architecture of the solution.
Deliverable
Interaction flow diagram and scenarios and Information Architecture (also called Site Map).
4. Prototype
Purpose
Evaluate the solution before moving into development.
Means
Prepare a preliminary solution and pass it by users and customers. Conduct a walkthrough of the prototype with the customer and test it for usability with representative users. Prepare a picture (graphical design) of the solution.
Deliverable
Storyboards (also called wireframes) and graphical concept.
5. Develop and test
Purpose
Build the solution.
Means
Use a programming language that best matches the goals of the solution. Test to verify that each requirement is satisfied as specified. Employ good coding and testing practices. Automate testing as needed. Test with users for usability and acceptance.
Deliverable
Fully functional bugs-free solution.
6. Launch and maintain
Purpose
Deliver the solution and maintain it after that as needed.
Means
Deploy the solution in the specified work environment. Perform final tests in live conditions. Make the necessary registration in search engines. Fix problems if any appear.
Deliverable
Live working solution.
We follow the process as outlined above but we are flexible and may add, remove, or repeat steps as necessary. Each step in the process may require the repetition of a previous step if omissions are found or the results are not satisfactory.
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