Project83 builds user-friendly web sites and applications from Nashville, TN

Our Development Process

The best way to get an idea of how our team develops a website is to have a hands-on look at each and every step involved in our design process. This 10-step process is continually being fine-tuned to produce the best possible end result for everyone involved and to keep things moving quickly.

1. Customized Proposal

The first step in deciding to work with our team on a project is requesting a proposal. Potential clients can either fill out the project interview or schedule a phone call to discuss what services are needed. Once the project manager has enough information, we can guarantee your customized proposal within 72 hours.

We will also accept an RFP, but it could take up to one week for a proposal to be written based on that document.

Each proposal will provide detailed information about the requested services, as well as pricing and timeframe. This document is meant to generate conversation and questions between both sides, and we are always happy to provide timely answers to all questions.

2. Web Development Contract

Once a client opts to move forward with the services outlined in the proposal, a web development contract is drafted. First and foremost, it specifically outlines the scope of services provided, and the payment guidelines. This document also provides terms and conditions that protect both sides in the event that something goes wrong.

One thing we try very hard to do with the contract is to keep it short and simple. It is a 100% official document that must be signed by both parties, but we try to keep the language and terms as clear, concise and understandable as possible.

Upon execution of the agreement, a portion of the price is required as a deposit. Depending on the situation, the price is typically split into 2-3 payments throughout the course of the project.

3. SiteMap

Whether the project is a new site or a full-scale redesign, the first document developed is called a sitemap. The project manager works directly with the client to map each and every page or section on the site. The sitemap is a graphic (see below), and is the basis for all work moving forward.

In technical circles, this is called information architecture but we prefer to call it a foundation. It's ideal to start with a clean slate and give each page a name and place that would be easiest and most intuitive for users to understand.

4. Content Submission

Once everyone involved has a clear idea of the website structure, we require the content for all pages in advance. There are two specific reasons why we require content this early in the development process.

Content influences design- The amount of content on a given page can have a huge impact on design and layout. Having access to content in advance to use in design comps helps to eliminate potential hurdles in the future, and also gives insight into areas of the sitemap that may need to be modified.
Avoid delays at all costs- If content is available before the design process starts, it creates focus from the very beginning. Waiting until the end for site content can create substantial delays, which ultimately will have a negative effect on the final product. It also helps our team develop a more accurate timeline, because once the content is submitted, there is very little that can delay the project.

5. Homepage Design

Every project gets three (3) unique homepage design comps for the client to choose from on the first round. Three different looks really give the client insight into what is best for the brand. Clients can easily combine elements from multiple comps or choose one direction to move forward with.

Given the amount of research that goes into the process up to this point, the designs are usually very close to what the client is looking for. However, if extensive modifications are still required, our team will work to make sure the next round is right on the money.

Here is an example first round for one of our clients. Click on a thumbnail to see a larger version:

6. Interior/Detail Designs

Following final approval of a homepage design, our team creates a design for typically 1-3 interior sections of the website. Sometimes additional screens are designed. There are all-new elements that must be considered during this process, and getting them right before writing any code is very important.

7. Code the Approved Designs

We intentionally design and layout the site before working on any of the actual code. Quality design and user-friendly layouts should not have to be constrained by what happens behind the scenes.

It takes approximately 7-10 days or less to code the templates for each project, and the process moves rather quickly from this point forward. This step includes optimizing and testing the pages in a number of common browsers:

Firefox version 1.5 and up for Mac and PC
Internet Explorer version 6 and up for PC
Safari version 2 and up for Mac
Opera version 8 and up for Mac and PC

8. Upload and format content

Once each page of the site is connected according to the approved sitemap, we begin the process of uploading and formatting content. All the smallest details that were created during the design process are now paired with the content to create a fluent look and feel throughout the site.

9. Springboard Integration

Springboard is a content management solution built from scratch by our team. It enables non-technical staff and users to update the site dynamically. Each installation and the modules are 100% customized specifically for the client. There is no "one size fits all" version of Springboard. Clients get the features they need, and nothing more.

Installation and customization typically adds 2+ weeks to the development process, and many of our clients find it to be crucial in maintaining their business. If there is not a Springboard module to fit your needs, we are more than happy to custom build it for you.

10. Final testing

Upon completion of the first nine steps in the development process, there is a series of testing that takes place. Our team double-checks everything once more to make sure the site is error-free. Each page is validated and tested for broken links, and is then checked again in the browsers mentioned above.

Provided everything goes well, the client has the opportunity to give final approval on the project's completion.

11. Site Launch

The BEST part of the development process is the site launch! Our team is available free of charge to make minor updates for the entire first week after the site is launched. From then on, the client has the opportunity to continue working with Project83 on an hourly basis to make updates in the future.