Scope and Gap Analysis
Project requirements aren’t always clear. A simple requirement may in reality have profound implications on a project. At Vend IT, we are experienced at documenting what are often notions or ideas, and adding those unseen additional requirements into a structured Project Scope. This will list all elements of the solution, each having been considered and backed up by analysis of people, organisation and systems so that a real understanding of the work involved can be established from the outset.
Typically this involves the following stages:
- Meet, discuss and observe to glean customer requirements
- Analyse and document to add in the unexpected requirements
- Documentation and client Sign off
Project Specification
The specification details exactly what is required for the project, based on the scope document, including:
- Website flow diagram (Sitemap)
- Description of global requirements, architecture, design requirements,
- interface requirements, page functional specification
- Data analysis and reporting of data requirements
- Testing plan
Storyboard and Wireframes
Storyboards visualise the client requirements by combining the Information Architecture & DATA with the proposed user paths and interactions. The process encourages reassessment based on analysis to achieve the best user experience.
Our process includes:
- Specification analysis
- Data definition and strategy
- Functional scamps and sketches
- Wire frame development
- Iteration & analysis to client sign-off
Design Visuals / Branding
At Vend IT designers work alongside technical personnel. DATA and functionality is tested for best representation throughout the interface design. All design is analysed against efficient use of XHTML, XSL, XSLT, CSS, Ajax, J-Query and Flash. Usability, accessibility and flexibility are considered throughout when making design decisions.
Vend IT has proven experience in creating ‘best in class’ transactional websites with rapid return on investment.
The key skills our designers possess are:
- Creativity!
- Usability awareness
- Accessibility awareness (Level 1, 2 & 3)
- Direct marketing & response experience
- Information architecture knowledge
Our design process includes:
- Design briefing
- Creative workshops & scamp concept development
- Visuals creation (designing the interface)
- Visuals presentation walkthrough (presenting the proposed solution)
- Iteration & analysis to client sign-off
Technical Development
The development phase brings together the various layers of the solution, from the back-end database, implementation of business logic and application of front end technologies using well supported techniques, software and platforms. The functional and style layers are independent to develop flexible solutions.
Typical developments include:
- Data analysis and normalisation
- Multi-tiered solutions development
- Business logic analysis
- Microsoft development technologies including .Net 2 onwards
- W3C standards / accessibility compliance
- Fully versioned source code
Test and Implementation
In addition to modular testing during development, a clear testing phase using the Testing Plan is undertaken and documented. Typical developments include:
- Developer unit testing
- Management review and sign-off
- User acceptance testing
- Customer review and sign-off
Review
Post Go Live, a project review is undertaken to learn from the project to develop our own processes and the customer’s processes to ensure an ongoing fruitful relationship.