Phases of Project Development
The construction of an Internet application is a complex process. To meet client goals efficiently - without false starts or costly redesigns - Smile has adopted a five-phase development plan.
Bear in mind that each phase builds on the work and conclusions of the previous phases. The decision to move from one phase to the next is always yours.
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01
Assess
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Objectives:
A series of client questionnaires develops and pinpoints objectives. Smile MEDIA consulting staff suggests and validates a variety of strategic options in response to expressed needs.
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Deliverables:
Smile MEDIA submits a needs assessment and guideline summary. The assessment sets basic ground rules, incorporating budget, timeline, audience limitations, content restrictions, legal regulations, etc. It also provides an Internet business plan and suggested site architecture.
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03
Construct
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Objectives:
The Smile MEDIA team works together to implement and integrate all aspects of the site according to plan.
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Deliverables:
Application components include HTML templates (approved by the client before programming begins), internal IS systems, database framework, and administrative technology. If necessary, a Smile MEDIA networking specialist works at the client site to integrate legacy systems.
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05
Evolve
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Objectives:
Following the business launch, Smile MEDIA team members record their experience in a best practices survey.
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Deliverables:
Smile MEDIA generates a site summary report. The report documents the client’s expressed needs as well as strategic options identified by Smile MEDIA consultants, software engineers, and web designers.
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02
Architect
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Objectives:
Smile MEDIA carefully documents the flow of data in the client’s application—both in the site and throughout internal information systems. In addition, developers plot the architecture of screen templates, content, and graphic elements with reference to branding objectives.
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Deliverables:
Smile MEDIA developers prepare application architecture: a flow chart, flow chart documentation, database design guidelines, and an IS integration plan. Developers also produce a creative brief. They create and refine the logo, icon, button, and storyboard sketches, as well as a content outline. When appropriate, Smile MEDIA develops a functional prototype/HTML walk-through of the site based on established data flow concepts.
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Budget & Timeline Confirmation:
A project manager solicits detailed developers’ estimates on remaining work. The client reviews these estimates.
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04
Deploy
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Objectives:
A careful testing methodology is applied during Deploy. The site is launched in stages, according to the client’s expressed hosting preferences.
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Deliverables:
First, Smile MEDIA confirms the client’s hosting and e-mail setup. Software engineers then test the application’s operation on the Smile MEDIA server before presenting it to a group of known and trusted users in the soft launch.
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Delivery
After final changes to the site have been made, the client is asked to sign off on delivery to conclude the development process. The presentation of a finished site on the destination domain constitutes the business launch.
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