Overview
3RING.com takes a well-planned, methodical approach to web development and e-marketing
projects based on industry-standard practices. Our own philosophy of keeping
things simple enables us to balance cost and quality while still getting the
job done.
Our
methodology has been designed to ensure that the final product meets the
business needs that initiated the project. This approach provides our clients
with control over the cost, timing and quality of the work performed.
A typical
project consists of several phases as shown in this diagram:
Team-based Project Management
3RING.com is a small team of talented and
dedicated individuals. We utilize a centralized, collaborative, web-based
project management system and we offer this service to our clients as well. We
strive for maximum transparency and believe that our clients are entitled to
know how the project is progressing at any given time. All stakeholders in the
client team can be given a username and password to access our online project
management software.
Strategy and Requirements Definition
Phase
This
phase is used to develop a “road map” to guide the team through the entire
project. During this phase, the underlying “vision” for the project is defined.
Objectives and Tasks
- Project
Visioning – Gain a clear sense of the client’s objectives and define
measurable goals for the project.
- Information
Architecture – Develop a site map and navigation system.
- Define
the Content Requirements – All content that is made available to users
is defined, including formats and templates.
- Define
the Functionality Requirements – Through a series of interviews, functionality
of the entire system will be mapped out, including all automated processes,
successful transactions and error conditions, business rules, workflow and
reporting.
- Define
the Security and User/Role Requirements – This defines the
various access levels that are permitted, how authors and users are managed,
and any security issues involved.
Deliverables
- Strategy and Requirements Document
- Cost Estimate
- Project Timeline
Creative Design Phase
During
this phase, a 3RING.com designer and project manager will discuss with the
client their objectives for the website look and feel.
Objectives and Tasks
- Creative Briefing – Collaboratively develop a “creative brief”
outlining the branding, look and feel, and usability requirements.
- Creative
Design – A professional web designer will create a unique and compelling design
that meets the specifications and constraints defined in the creative brief.
- The
designer will develop visual design mock-ups including a “deep slice”
perspective which may include a homepage and inner page layout.
- By assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the designs, 3RING.com will
respond to the client’s feedback during two rounds of revisions to the original
mock-up.
Deliverables
- Creative
Brief Document
- Finalized Design Mock-ups
Development and Implementation Phase
3RING.com
primarily develops websites based on a content management system (CMS)
framework. This means that often little or no custom code needs to be written,
depending on the complexity of the project requirements. Often a very advanced
website can be constructed using advanced and precise configuration of our
chosen CMS framework.
This
empowers 3RING.com to rapidly develop custom solutions without having to
reinvent the wheel each time. The benefit to the client is cost savings and
increased software maturity.
Objectives and Tasks
- Application
Design – All functional
requirements are reviewed, and opportunities for code re-use, scalability and
extensibility are explored.
- CMS
Configuration – The CMS framework is
configured and the correct modules are installed in order to meet the project
requirements and application design.
- Functional
Wireframe Development – A functional skeleton of the site is
developed without consideration for look and feel.
- Code
Development – Custom code and modules are developed and tested,
based on the application design.
- Page Production / Theming – A CSS/XHTML specialist will integrate the
design mock-ups with the functional wireframe. At this point the finished
product really begins to take shape.
Deliverables
- A semi-functional alpha version of website,
ready for testing
Quality Assurance Phase
During
this phase, the website and all components are thoroughly tested to ensure that
all requirements have been met, that performance is adequate, and that the
application works across all target web browsers.
3RING.com
recommends a joint testing approach where the client team is deeply involved in
the testing and quality assurance process.
Deployment Phase
During
this phase, the website is deployed to the hosting environment.
Objectives and Tasks
- User
Documentation – User manuals are developed, if appropriate.
- Training – Client
users are trained in all aspects of managing and updating the website.
- Website Launch – The website is made available on the Internet.
Deliverables
- User manuals
- Training
- Completed Website
Maintenance Phase
Once the website has been successfully launched, 3RING.com will optionally provide the client with a maintenance contract.
