Our philosophy holds that the best products are forged in a partnership between client and development team. So we have created a development methodology which is used by client and FDL alike. It enables both of us to see exactly where the project is in the development cycle, and to monitor progress day-by-day and task-by-task, and to manage change. Above all this is a practical tool to get the job done on time, on budget, and to the specification agreed in advance.
1. Consultation
Our process begins with a free, no obligation meeting to discuss your objectives. If we agree to work together we will provide you with a fixed price quotation for preparing the specification for the site. Until we have completed the specification, we cannot confirm the development costs of the site itself.
2. Engagement
We never ask a client to commit to unknown costs and timescales. So to begin with we only ask you to commit to the fixed cost of preparing the site specification. The scale of the specification will be determined by the scale of the site, but it will always detail every aspect of the site in plain English.
3. Specification
Preparing the specification involves in depth discussion, research (perhaps including market research and user feedback), competition analysis, and product design, and results in a complete, detailed blueprint for the final product. The specification includes every function, interaction, and link throughout the site, and it takes time to get right, especially as it will involve an ongoing dialogue with the client, adjusting the site as it takes shape according to the client's requirements and budget. But this exhaustive detail is the foundation for reliable costings and schedules, and both are included as part of the final specification document. Once the specification is complete, you can contract FDL to develop the site or you can take it to another developer.
4. Development
Should you decide to further contract FDL to build the site, the next phase sees the creation of the site, according to the agreed specification and timetable. Any amendments to the specification once the site is in development are managed through our rigorous change control process. During this phase will we make the development site available to you under password protection so progress can be monitored against the agreed schedule. This phase ends with the completion of a Beta site (one that has all content and functionality present but is untested) and your approval to proceed to the test phase.
5. Testing
All our web sites undergo exhaustive testing and revision to ensure that the product meets all aspects of the Specification on all specified browser platforms. We encourage all clients to take a full and active part in the testing process.
6. Site Publishing
On your formal approval, we will make the site available to the Internet by publishing the site on the agreed host server. We can advise on hosting. We can also advise you on obtaining a new domain name for your site if you wish.
7. Warranty
We are pleased to provide a three-month warranty on all our work.
Each phase has a clearly defined objective, and moving from one phase to the next requires formal approval. Our costing process also breaks down the budget into these phases, so the client can clearly see the expenditure schedule over the course of a project.
If you want to know more about how we work, please contact us.
