Working with a design firm can be a confusing and frustrating experience, but it doesn't have to be that way. Even if you have never worked with a design firm before, the process can be demystified with a little bit of information. No two projects are alike, and the process is not a one size fits all affair. However there are certain phases of a successfully executed website that remain the same no matter the size or scope of the project.
The first conversations about your project often start with an email or phone call. During the discovery phase, iDEAbOX is most interested in finding out what your goals are for your business, your measures of success, your perceived technology requirements, and how design and technology can satisfy these requirements. We also like to talk about your artistic ideas even if you don't have an exact idea. Some websites don't expand much (or at all), and yet many others will require weekly, daily, or sometimes hourly content additions.
In reality, the design process begins the moment I we talk with a client, but it becomes something tangible during this phase of the project. Now it is time to get down to the business of planning and creating the very best website or design project required to carry out the goals. A final site design-map takes shape. An initial design composite (comp) will be presented that is an accurate representation of what the final product will look like. At this point in the project, you will be involved in providing the creative feedback needed so that a final design can be decided on and given a sign-off of approval. All aspects of the projects appearance and function will be explained and, to the fullest extent possible , be represented in a “static” format.
Armed with information and notes in hand, we will take the time to put together a detailed price proposal outlining in simple language including a description of your project requirements, a proposed solution, a timeline for completion, and the cost for our services. Fortunately for you, our overhead is low, and our prices reflect that. If we are in agreement on price, then a 50% down payment gets the project underway and moving to the next phase.
After the design is approved, the development process begins. At this point, the designs that exist only in Photoshop and text documents become a live and functioning. This is typically the longest phase in the entire process and may include multiple disciplines such as; coding, graphic design, programming, photography, videography, copy writing, etc.