This is my first post on my new site. The web development life cycle. In later weeks i will look at each stage in detail, undoubtedly seasoned with some random thoughts along the way.
Over the years I’ve built up standard documents and a methodology for undertaking a web job, no matter how big or small it is; whether I’m working for a company or on a contract basis i think these documents and process are necessary.
It’s always best to be commissioned on a professional basis and I never undertake more than one Pro-Bono job at a time. As someone who works in the online space i find myself getting tapped for information constantly; I find that people respect you more if you are professional all the time. Of course it’s tempting to not jump through all the hoops when you’re not getting paid handsomely or you’re not extremely interested, but not doing so would undermine the point of IA and PM and the end result is likely to be disappointing.
Information architecture is the foundation for great Web design. It is the blueprint of the site upon which all other aspects are built.
The web development life cycle overview:
1. First contact
2. Follow up to capture initial requirements
3. Proposal & Quote
4. Agreement & initial payment
5. Creation of design document (all your research / information capture, stage by stage sign off)
6. Build / Development
7. Review
8. Testing
10. Launch
