How we work

There isn't one standard way that we work when creating a site for you, but the basic process stays the same.

  1. Meeting and gathering information
  2. Planning
  3. Design
  4. Development
  5. Testing and Delivery
  6. Maintenance

Phase One: Meeting and gathering information

Every successful project relies upon getting as much information as possible as early as possible. The initial meetings and conversations are crucial when developing a site. It allows us to get a solid understanding of your business or organisation  – what your aims are, and how we can use web technologies to help you reach those goals. 

At the initial meetings we'll ask you questions about:

  • What is the purpose of the site? Are you selling products or providing information?
  • Why do you need a website?
  • What does a website give you that Facebook doesn't?
  • Who is your target audience?
  • What should your users be able to do on the site?

Phase Two: Planning

Once we've gathered all the information from our initial meetings then we'll build a plan for your site. We'll develop a site map to ensure that all the information that you want on your site is easily accessible by your target users. Although it's tempting to start designing your site from the outset, it's important to plan the site carefully - adding things on later can significantly increase the cost of your site.

As part of the planning stage we'll produce a number of wireframes for the most important sections of your site. These are like the blueprints for your site and ensure that we've included all the functionality that you want.

Phase Three: Design

Once we've gathered the information and agreed a plan James takes over on the design side of things. Taking into account the audience and purpose of the site James will develop a number of mock-ups incorporating your logo and corporate colours. We'll be in contact throughout this stage of the process to ensure that you're able to let us know what you like - and what you don't like about the design.

Phase Four: Development

Once the design is agreed, Kevin and Feargal will start building your site. We develop the site based on the agreed wireframes so that from the outset of the project you're able to test a working version of your site. At this stage the interactive elements of the site such as ecommerce shopping carts, slideshows, forums, event calendars and blogs are added for you to test.

Phase Five: Testing and Delivery

We test your site intensively before handing it over to you - things such as the sign-up process, ecommerce functionality, comment spam. We are also committed to testing for last minute compatibility issues, ensuring that your web site is optimized to be viewed properly in the most recent browser versions.

Once we're happy that it's technically working, we'll carry out user testing on your site. This involves observing a user trying to use the site and recording any problems they may have. Any issues are noted and then a plan developed to improve the site before it's handed over to you.

Once you're happy with the site then we can either arrange for it to be hosted on our servers, or we're happy to arrange for it to be hosted on your own servers. Your site will now be fully viewable by the public.

Phase Six: Maintenance

Unlike a printed publication, a website is never finished. You may wish to develop new features to bring repeat visitors to your site. We would be delighted to continue working with you if you feel this is necessary. We can offer maintenance packages at reduced rates depending on what type of work you need to have carried out.

We'll also offer advice and guidance around SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and SES (Search Engine Submission).