Development Process Overview

Within our web application and development service, our process consists of 5 standard phases:

Exploration

During Exploration potential clients tell us what they want to do and we engage in a conversation.  During this phase, we each see if we would be a good fit.  Clients “interview” us and we “interview” them.  During our conversations and exploration of ideas, we determine if we want to work together.  If so, then we get a good idea of what the scope of the project entails and we create a proposal.

Discovery

If the proposal is accepted, then we move into discovery.  We require a deposit to begin this phase.  The deposit is based upon the approved proposal.  In this phase, we discuss the details of the project.  Depending on the overall cost/complexity, we may create a full specification, which includes “wireframes” of pages, click-through paths, and other charts outlining logic, etc.

The intention of this phase is to create a functional specification and a design specification.  Both are used as the blue-print to which we build.  A signed contract (statement of work) includes this specification and also outlines the development calendar (with key milestones), responsibilities, key contacts and the budget and payment terms.

Development

Once the discovery phase is completed and the statement of work (with specifications) is completed and approved, we can begin development.

Development is where most of the time is spent on a project.  This phase also includes design.  During development there are typically a few milestones that are met:

  1. Design Comps
    This is the first of a typical 2 rounds of design.  Typically 3 initial comps are created from client interview.  Then feedback and discussion give way to a final round with 1 or 2 final versions.  But the design process is determined by the overall budget, and may be altered according to needs.
  2. Design Approval
    After any final design changes are made, the design is approved and starts getting applied as the interface to the web application project.
  3. Alpha Version
    Not a feature-complete application.  But at least some of the design is applied to the interface.  Typically, the alpha version allows the client to see the main navigation, with functional links to main sections of the site.  Also, some key functionality may be demoed.  This is an opportunity for initial feedback for any areas that were not completely outlined in the specification.  Some change requests may be able to be managed in the approved budget, while others may require a change order.
  4. Beta Version
    Final developed version of the project.  Fully functional and integrated (application code and interface combined).  There will likely be some bugs, but this is where the final product is fully reviewed with the client.

Launch

Starting the launch phase we take any additional feedback from the beta version and also start addressing any bugs that were found/reported.  Additionally, we start final QA testing.  And, we’ll begin final data migration or new data population preparing for launch.

The official launch (“throwing the switch”) is typically timed for an evening.  Larger projects may be timed for a weekend evening to minimize down-time of any existing applications the client has that related to the new site.  The final payment is due when the project launches.

Maintenance

After launch, we monitor the site and performance heavily for the first few days, tapering off over the next 1 - 2 weeks.  We remain immediately available for any trouble, or but reports so we can address them immediately.

After this, we may continue to provide support or maintenance depending on the client’s needs.  On-going per hour, or a maintenance contract (retainer) may be created.


Additionally, we provide a 30-day “guarantee” for our projects.  This means that we fix any bugs or problems without charge for 30 days after launch. This doesn’t include new functionality.  After that 30-day period, any reports of bugs or changes are addressed according to whatever maintenance terms are in place (per hour or retainer).