Our Approach

Stage 1: Information Gathering and Contract

In stage one, we will discuss timelines, your goals, budgets and the processes involved so that we both have a clear understanding of the project before us. We will compile the information and use it to start building the foundation for your website. We also require that both of us sign a detailed contract, which helps to ensure that we both have a clear understanding of your needs and requirements, thus eliminating any surprises.

Step 2: Getting to know you and your market

In stage two, there are some paramount questions to consider:

What do you want your website to say about your business?

To whom do you want to market it?

What do you want to achieve from your new site?

This step requires a thorough review of your competition, goals, business objectives, intended audiences, marketing focus, brand identity, and what you hope to achieve in both the long and short term. It also involves technical questions about your company such as level of automation required for your business and what information you hope to gather from users. We work closely with you at this stage to ensure that we thoroughly understand your business and the requirements necessary to make the most optimal and user-friendly site possible.

Stage 3: Design & planning

The design stage of website development consists of four core essential components - navigation, technology, design and usability which are detailed in a ‘Design Document’ which provides the platform for the project development. The first component, navigation, is when a navigational structure and layout is established which is both logical, user-friendly and future considered. A site map and a description of the functionality will be compiled as part of the document. Red Dot Interactive will only employ technology for the project that will add positive benefits and will detail any recommendations or requirements from the outset. The design component consists of a functional layout, which ensures the look is consistent and tailored with your company image. Finally, the document will outline usability considerations and compatibility to ensure your users are fully understood and accommodated.

The Design Document will consist of the following components:

  • Web site goals
  • Audience definition
  • Design specifications
  • Information Architecture
  • Technology
  • Global and local navigation systems
  • Usability & Accessibilty considerations
  • Site specifications
  • Final Designs

 

With the completion of the Design Document, we can begin developing the prototype.

Stage 4: Prototype Development

The initial prototype will be designed, created and then published to our secure and restricted client development area, which allows you to view the progress of your site. The development area is important as it provides the ability for you to give feedback, evaluate the site and test attributes with us simultaneously. We will ensure that there is ample opportunity for you to provide feedback and will continue to revise as necessary until you approve. After sign-off on the prototype, our development team tests it in a variety of browsers and platforms to ensure compatibility. We will also set up your hosting space from which your website will run from if you choose.

Stage 5: Release

Before we go live with the site, thorough final testing is conducted. The information collected during testing fuels the fine-tuning and completion of the site, making your product robust and ready for release. Once the developer is finished, we are ready to go “live” with the site. Optional services, such as search engine optimisation, email etc will be set up and configured upon release.

Stage 6: Evaluate.

Following release, we can monitor your site's statistics (optional) in preparation for a final evaluation. For the final evaluation the site is analysed and future developments and strategies are discussed. We will also evaluate the opportunities to expand your marketing focus and if you require, help to leverage your brand in both online and offline environments. Red Dot Interactive will provide a 28-day grace period for fixing any minor problems, errors or bugs. For CMS users, you have full control over your content so minor changes will help get you on the road to understanding managing your website.

In some cases, statistics will be configured and set up so that you can manage your sites progress, providing valuable information for marketing and promotional purposes.


30 October 2006 by howard