Methodology
Reachpoint follows a structured methodology for all projects. Our overall approach includes five phases: Strategic Planning, Information Design, Visual Design, Production and Launch
Each phase is described below and addresses a measurable and repeatable project deliverable. Through each phase of the methodology, open lines of communication are established and maintained throughout the entire project.
Phase 1: Strategic Planning and Discovery
The most important phase, the Strategic Planning phase or Discovery phase, begins with working with the client to better understand the project and business opportunity. A Discovery Document is completed to collect key information needed to support the project request, helps identify opportunities and support the development of insights and ideas.
A Kickoff Meeting is scheduled to introduce the team, review the Discovery Document, define website goals/objectives and outline a strategic plan.
A Creative Brief document – resulting from the Kickoff Meeting and Client Survey document – is completed and outlines the efforts and initiatives that must be accomplished to achieve the project’s goals.
Deliverables: Creative Brief, Site Requirements, Website Schedule
Phase 2: Information Design
The Information Design phase is all about content and developing an information strategy. Our main objective is organizing information so site visitors can find what their looking for quickly and easily. We address all content; audit existing, prepare for new and outline a content delivery schedule for both.
In the same way a house needs to be blueprinted, so does a successful website. First, a Site Map, a visual representation of the site’s structure, is created outlining all pages, links, navigation, etc. Next, we create Homepage and Interior page wireframes, or storyboards for the site, showing where content will live on each page; nothing visual. While wireframing, we are focusing on the User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) by revisiting target audience goals, developing various user scenarios and site paths.
Deliverables: Content Delivery Schedule, Site Map, Homepage & Interior Page Wireframes
Phase 3: Visual Design
After we’ve established where content will reside on the page(s), we design visual mockups based on the approved wireframes developed in Phase 2.
This is where the logo, colors, images, illustrations, icons and typeface are represented. The object at this phase is to enhance the content…to bring it to life. A style guide and website standards are introduced.
Each mockup or concept is presented to the client and includes 2 rounds of revisions.
Deliverables: Homepage and Interior Page Visual Design Concepts
Phase 4: Production and Testing
The purpose of the Production phase is to produce website content, images, and code — and whatever else the final deliverables require. The collective pieces are then assembled and tested in a staging environment. The Production phase can be broken into two major actions: development and testing.
During development, the design concepts, functional elements, and technical elements are all built according to the project plan. The project plan also guides the effort to incrementally assemble, and test completed components to ensure that the final results meet design specifications and fulfill client requirements. For project launch, the overall project is reviewed in its staging environment with the client. With client sign-off, the production launch is scheduled and executed.
Deliverables: Website URL (website address) for Testing
Phase 5: Launch and Support
After launch we follow-up on activities, including monitoring the newly launched website and making sure that any outstanding issues are quickly addressed.
Final project documentation and training are also completed in this phase. To keep the deliverables up-to-date, a maintenance plan for the project is provided at this time.
Deliverables: Your New Website, Style Guide, SEO & Website Maintenance Schedule/Plan