1. PLANNING
The planning stage is the most important, because what’s decided and mapped here sets the stage for the entire project. This is also the stage that requires client interaction and the accompanying attention to detail.
2. ENGINEERING
The engineering stage typically involves moving the information outlined in the planning stage further into reality. The main deliverables are a documented site structure and, more importantly, a visual representation. Upon completion of the engineering phase, the website should more or less have taken shape, but for the absence of the content and special features.
3. DEVELOPMENT
Development involves the bulk of the programming work, as well as loading content. I keep code organized and commented, and refer constantly to the planning details as the full website takes shape. I take a strategic approach, and avoid future hassles by constantly testing as I go.
4. QUALITY ASSURANCE
The QA phase is the clients opportunity to address any issues related the quality of work provided during the development phase.
- Client – Review the project based on the project scope
- Client – Make a complete QA list of all unsatisfactory items
- Client – Submit the complete QA list to the developer
- Developer – Address all items that are within scope
- Developer – Provide an explanation of items not in scope
- Client – Review QA list items
- Client – Review out of scope explanations
- Developer – Move project to the Launch phase
5. LAUNCH
The purpose of the launch phase is to prepare the website for public viewing. This requires final polishing of design elements, deep testing of interactivity and features and, most of all, a consideration of the user experience. After testing in the production environment is complete. I move the website to its permanent Web server for live testing.
6. POST-LAUNCH
At this point I take care of all the little tasks related to closing the project. Packaging source files, providing instructions for use and any required training occurs at this time. I always leave the client as informed as possible, and try to predict any questions that might come up. I don’t leave the project with a closed door. I am available for future maintenance and I’m committed to ongoing support.