Design Process Steps

Our simple 5 step design process and project plan helps ensure your new solution will hit the mark.

  1. Pre-Planning
  2. Discovery
  3. Design
  4. Develop
  5. Implementation and Follow-up

Applied properly, our steps of the design process can save you money (as well as headaches and re-work). And with collaboration and excellent customer support you are guaranteed to have a great experience and a solution you love.

This simple project plan has demonstrated that it applies equally well to your web site design process, database design process, or any other process you care to tackle.

Step 1: Pre-Planning

Although it is not glamorous, core to the success of every project is investing time to answer key questions before you start. Your answers will provide the purity of purpose and message that will drive where the design of the solution should go.

Think of this stage as an opportunity to clarify the plan for your project; to narrow the focus and direction to make it as effective as possible. The more information you provide increases the probability your solution will exceed your expectations.

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Step 2: Discovery

Details of the project including a clear understanding of your purpose, goals and objectives, expectations, time lines, and budgets are communicated during this step of the process with resulting milestones and deliverables.

The primary outcome is to determine project structure, functionality and features required. These elements will have a direct impact on costs and time lines, and provide the foundation for your quotation.

This phase is confirmed upon your acceptance of quotation and consulting agreement.

Step 3: Design

Once the project is properly defined, the Design step begins. This is the prototype phase of the project. Prototype concepts are basic design ideas; the first look at your project's possibilities.

You pick the concept you like the best, and by incorporating your comments and suggestions you help us narrow down exactly what you're looking for. You are essential to the creative process, exploring whatever direction you want.

We take the time to verify your Design Review and Approval, with perhaps up to three (3) rounds of revision to ensure we get it just right.

Step 4: Develop

Once the design is complete, we begin to develop the physical code for your project according to your specifications. This is the nuts and bolts of the project life cycle.

Depending upon the nature of your project, common tasks that are undertaken during this phase include coding, environment testing, stress testing, backup and recovery procedures, and user manuals.

You will have the opportunity for periodic checks on our progress during this phase, and at the end we request your Final Walkthrough and Approval.

Step 5: Implementation Launch and Follow-up

Once the development step is complete, your solution is ready to deploy. Upon final approval and invoicing, we deliver the project files and make sure everything works as promised.

Follow-up and support - as appropriate for your project - continue at this point such as maintenance, technical support, ongoing SEO review and analysis.

Our goal is that you love your new solution! If any part of your project that is under our control does not meet your satisfaction, we'll make it right for you.