Adopted Approach

We like to keep the task of building a website as simple as possible by following a procedure that allows for periods of consultation and design before implementation.

We have learnt that the success of a project is often dependant on gathering as much information from the onset. We therefore spend a great deal of time in getting to know your particular requirements.

Consultation
Where possible we would like to meet you to discuss your project. This gives you an opportunity to ask us questions and talk through your project needs.

Brief
We also need to receive a detailed brief from you so that we can deliver a website fit for your business needs and from which we can measure our performance against your criteria for success. If you can't provide a detailed brief don't worry. We can undertake the research required to identify your business aims based on consultations with you (Please note that we charge for this service).

Proposal
Based on the brief and the consultation we will forward a proposal that will include an estimate for all the work entailed. If you decide to accept our offer we require a initial payment of 1/3 of the estimated cost before work begins. Please bare in mind that you should take up our offer within 14 days from the proposal date as we reserve the right to withdraw the offer after this time.

Following this we aim to identify fully the project areas and produce a schematic representation of the undertaking in the form of wire frame drawings and site maps. The schematic maps are central to the project scope. The schematics identify specific areas of functionality, database interaction, technical underpinning and the Information Architecture. When the schematics have been completed we can cost out the project fully and offer you a development schedule towards completing the project milestones.

Within the development schedule we produce design visuals concept pages which demonstrate the look and feel that we would propose for the website components. We would also produce a specification document which details the technologies and standards we propose to adopt in building the bespoke website elements.

Within the schedule are areas outlined for consultation and feedback along with stage payment points were we require payment for that portion of the work completed before continuing. On satisfactory completion of all work we expect the remaining balance to be paid in full.

Design visual
Where appropriate we will produce a design visual for your new website. This may reflect some pre existing branding or corporate identity which needs adapting for the web or could involve a new corporate identity and product branding.

Standards
Our report details the standards we propose to build the website, including the browser versions and operating systems that will be supported and the target rating conforming to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. The report will detail the web server programming environment that will be deployed for any advanced programming feature or for normal database integration.

Occasionally where projects are using cutting edge technology we may have to defer this item in the report until such time that allows us to determine the reliability of server extensions within a test server environment.

Time scale
We provide an itinerary for the completion of the project milestones. The target completion dates will be dependant on you providing us with appropriate copy in good time. Please note we can only accept text in digital format and a small charge is made for images that are supplied to us for scanning.

At various stages in the production cycle we will ask you to 'sign off' the work that we have done for you before continuing to the next stage. You should only 'sign off' the work when you are completely happy with it.

Starting to build
The first requirement of any website is to register a domain name that will be associated with your business. If your business already has a domain name and is currently hosted with another service provider it may be necessary for the domain name to be re-delegated. Don't worry, we will provide you with information on how to re-delegate your existing domain name.

After your domain name has been registered and hosted we begin building your website. Firstly we establish a framework for your content and produce the primary navigational methods of accessing it. Once the navigation system and areas of your website have been agreed your website will rapidly take shape.

Changes to the brief
Changes to the brief are a fact of life and are not a problem during the consultation and design period. We want you to have the opportunity to reflect on our input and if this means that you decide to alter the brief this is the best time to do it. If you decide to make changes to the brief or amend an approved design once the building work has started additional costs may be incurred.

After completion
Stiff Design will continue to support your website and fix any unintended defect or imperfection of character or of structure and appearance that is brought to our attention.

You can also request Stiff Design to manage your website and domain name and we will negotiate a fixed annual fee for providing these additional services. For more information on management refer to Webmaster Services

 

For further information please contact us directly or send us a message