Taking Your Talent to the Web

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Every married couple takes vows, but many later break them. Similarly, the existence of a written methodology is no guarantee that the company that wrote it will practice it. Nevertheless, good companies do have methods that work for them, and you will want to master the methodology of your web agency. If possible, you will want to improve it. Every project tests the validity of the company’s methods, thus every project presents an opportunity to improve the company’s methods.

WE NEVER FORGET A PHASE

Like all human endeavors, web projects may be broken down into phases. Each phase involves particular, predictable activities and results. We’re not speaking of the mysterious spark of creative inspiration here; we’re talking about process and workflow. Breaking a web project into phases allows companies to predict and plan for activities, ensuring that no steps are skipped. Reusing processes from one project to another also increases efficiency while reducing heartache, phone rage, and legal expenses.

Phases are plans, and plans are never static. Over the life of any project, activities move from one phase to another; activities may span several phases; and lines of delineation between phases may blur. Still, it is possible to sketch a general outline of the web project life cycle, which is what we’ve done here.

The five phases of site development are as follows:

1.Analysis

2.Design

3.Development

4.Testing

5.Deployment