Overview

Information Matters uses this flexible and scalable framework to meet the unique needs of each project. This process has grown from our varied experiences with developing applications and web sites and our use of information architecture. Following this methodology creates projects that solve the specified problem resulting in a more productive organization.

Discover

We clearly define the problem to be solved and the project audience during this phase. We use this information to define the project goals. Next, we develop a proposal document that outlines key project objectives, the recommended solution, and approximate timelines and costs.

Deliverables of this phase:
- Project plan
- Project schedule
- Functional requirements

Define

In the Define phase, we determine the structure and organization of your site. Usability and information strategy play a big part in this phase. The goal is to design a structural concept that makes sense to your end-user. We audit current website content and create a delivery plan for changes and additional content. Next we develop a sitemap, outline the content, and develop a primary and secondary navigational structure. From there we create a wireframe of the information that will be the foundation of your completed website. Additional analysis may also be undertaken to ensure we have all the essentials required to proceed with the best possible design. Strategic documents addressing structural, creative, or technology issues are also undertaken in this phase.

Deliverables of this phase:
- Content delivery plan
- Sitemap
- Wireframes

Design

The Design phase is the most creative part of the process. During this phase, we will take the information established in the Define phase and develop the user interface for the website in accordance with the creative and technical requirements that have been established up to this point. To do this, we will design various visual concepts that enhance the information design to create the user experience. This is an iterative process that goes through a thorough presentation and approval cycle that includes input and discussion between Information Mattersand your team until a final interface has been approved.

Deliverables of this phase:
- Initial design comps and revisions
- Final interface design

Develop

In the Develop phase, we will put all the pieces together and make them work. This is when we begin the actual building of the website. During this phase of development, quality assurance and beta testing play a big role. We will test the site against the established requirements to ensure that our goals are being met. We will identify any bugs that occur along the way and fix them.

Deliverables of this phase:
- Completed beta site

Deploy

The Deploy phase is where our hard work – on both sides – pays off and the site is launched. By this phase, all QA testing has been completed on the development/staging server and fixes have been made. We will move the site to the live server for a soft launch in order to test the site within the live environment with actual users. Typically, we run through a series of tests on the live server including primary functional paths and a final content check. After all areas have been approved, the site is now considered live and formal announcements and advertising can begin.

Information Matters will save the entire project on a CD, including site files, project documents, and other materials to be archived by you.

Deliverables of this phase:
- Live site
- Archive CD of entire project