We like anything that gets our creative juices flowing. You might have noticed we're not your average company - we're your above average company and we'd like to show you why that is.
You're on our guest list.
Just like you would want to listen to a band's music before seeing them live, you want to know how we can rock before you hire us. This is why we created this Backstage area so that you can get a feel for what we do and how we do it, from before you even "buy your ticket" (hire us) for the "final performance" (project being delivered).
The first step...
If you do not have a creative brief or RFP (request for proposal) for us, no need to worry. We've got a very helpful questionnaire that you can fill out based on what type of project you have. Just download that using the button on the right and email that back to us. We like to know as much information about your project as possible. This helps us not only get familiar with the details but also gives us some preliminary insight into the purpose of your project, your target audience and a lot more.
So what happens once you start?
The fun begins ... the magic happens ... the show starts. We're off and running with you and we won't keep the lights too low. In fact, we like you to see what is going on every step of the way ...
Research and getting to know you.
Step 1: We review your brief/RFP and the questionnaire answers. We perform any research necessary into your industry to better understand your unique situation and needs.
We also get you set up in our online project management system, Basecamp, so the job can be organized from the word go.
Step 2: We might also schedule an in person or phone meeting to answer any pre-development questions. And we're available via email and phone (and the occasional instant messenger) throughout the project.
Step 3: We'll finalize your sitemap - the site organization and structure with you (all the pages on your site and how they will be connected) and if necessary we will put together a lightbox of potential stock images to use in the project (and/or request images from you). Image approvals will take place before the end of the next phase.
Step 4: We create what are called, wireframes for your site. This is simply a basic graphic representation, using boxes (aka the wireframes) to show where content will be placed on your home page as well as a sub page on the site. No fancy stuff here but this step is important to the next phase where we actually get into the design. This ensures there are no "surprises" with content or features on the page and it's very easy to move things around and experiment in this step.
Step 5: We will work with you on image approvals for each page/section of the site.
Planning, organization and design.
Step 1: Here is where we combine all the information and ideas with our years of professional design experience to present you with initial concept designs. We will give you an easy to access area on the web where you will be able to review these. We work closely with you on revisions to generate the concept that will become the finished website.
OPTIONAL — If your project also includes multimedia such as animation or video, we will begin to formulate and finalize how this media will appear and function on the site. This sometimes requires an additional meeting to go over any details for the media portion of the project.
If your project requires copy writing services, we will have you work with our expert writer at this stage.
Step 2: Before we begin to actually put your web pages together, we will refer back to the original site map (from the research phase), make any final modifications, and start coding.
Step 3: OPTIONAL — If we have been contracted to do any Split testing (aka A/B testing) or gathering feedback on the design options from a test group it would occur in this phase.
Layout, programming, content.
Step 1: This is where your project begins to take on solid form. We will upload files to Basecamp where you can check the progress of your project. We keep a constant line of communication open during the entire project process.
Step 2: We will need the content (text, specific images, etc.) for your project so we can start populating the site pages.
All Steps: When applicable we will need you to approve parts of the project before moving on. This is a quality control measure, to ensure your finished project functions properly.
Final overview and wrap up.
Step 1: This is the finalizing of your project. In this step, we thoroughly check your project for both quality and performance. For websites, we will check your site on various browsers and internet connections, check the integrity of all links and images. We will also test for usability and check the site in Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and Chrome (note: we do not test older browser versions!). Only after this rigorous testing, will we move on to the wrap up.
Step 2: Project wrap up includes things such as: complimentary training on ecommerce shopping cart administration, content management systems, or other custom programmed systems, delivery of the project on another medium such as CD-rom if requested, or discussing a maintenance agreement or marketing plan.
Now you're ready to rock.
Step 1: In this final phase we take your project "live" on the internet, give it one more go-through and will consider the project 100% complete. We will be available to answer any post-deployment questions you may have.
Step 2: Celebrate the launch of your new website (sorry we can't spring for the champagne)!
