how we do it

Not every web design agency works the same way. Here's how we do it.

The development process varies from client to client but this page and the diagram to the right explain the common stages involved.

Initial discussions

Possibly the most important part of the whole process is the initial brief and the planning that follows it. We’ve found it’s good to talk, but it’s even better to listen. As well as taking note of the new features you’d like, we’ll talk to you about your existing internal systems to ensure your new website fits smoothly into your infrastructure. Sometimes a quick, first hand look at a database can solve weeks of problems, so there will always be a technical expert at initial meetings.

The proposal

Once we’ve completed the initial discussions, we’ll go away and create a detailed proposal document for your project. This will specify each element of work, highlight any anticipated issues that need to be resolved and, of course, let you know the cost of completing the project. We can also provide timelines if you require.

Design

You may already have an established corporate identity, or you may be looking for something new for your website. Either way, we can accomodate your requirements. We have years of design experience in the web industry. During the development process, your site will be continually monitored to ensure the look, feel and typography are kept on brand.

The development process

To kick things off, our development team will sit down and decide the best technologies and methods to use for your project. Because we use ‘rapid application development’ techniques you’ll be able to see progress in no time at all. And because we know that our clients have their best ideas once they see what we can do, this agile approach also means our code can be easily adapted throughout the project.

Proofing, checking and sign-off

During the build process, we’ll create your site in a staging area, hosted on our specialised development servers. This enables you to ‘check in’ at any point and see what stage your site has reached. It’s also ideal for allowing your colleagues access, for their comments and approval.

Going live

Before going live, we will test your site on all major browsers, making sure the functionality and design is consistent across the board. The launch of your new website is vitally important. A bad launch can negate all the benefits of the new site, leaving a poor impression of your website and your company. All systems (shopping carts, contact forms, blogs, etc.) will also undergo rigorous cross-platform testing.

Initial Discussions		Initial Discussions
Proposal created
Agreement to proceed		Agreement to proceed
		Payment of 40% deposit
Design stage begins
Design review		Design review
Development begins
Development review		Development review
Testing and accessibility
First review		First review
Website goes live
		Payment of balance
Ongoing support