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After building websites for more than a decade and being involved with projects that are small and simple (and thus hard to keep simple!), as well as large and complex, we've seen what works in terms of a process. There have been many hard lessons learned along the way, too. Simply put, we believe a process is what guides the project to a best case solution - one shouldn't cut corners and hope for luck. In our view, form always follows function.
We use a five-step development process.
I. Discovery and Definition
In this step, we determine the project scope, and document the best
solution to meet its needs. This proposal and the subsequent follow up
conversations will be a large part of this phase. At the conclusion of
this phase, the project scope will be set, a site map completed and all
documentation finalized. We will create a project site using our online
project management tool for the team to use as a reference point and
discussion tool throughout the project.
II. Design
In this phase, we determine the
website’s look and feel. The open source projects listed elsewhere on
this site have template-based designs, allowing us to easily swap one
design for another. However, determining this design is no small
task. This phase is perhaps the most difficult as it is the most
subjective and the amount of time needed varies by client and project.
Communication from the client is critical here to achieve success.
III. Development
Even before the design has been finalized, large amounts of development
can be completed. Nearly all of the website’s infrastructure can be
built and much of its content can be inserted into the database while
the design is being determined. Once the design process ends however,
we go about creating the templates that will be used to provide the
site’s look and feel. All aspects of the website are tested and
functions are made to work without error. Staff training is also done
in this phase so that the client can assist in the content creation and
learn to manage the new tools being provided.
IV. Deployment and Launch
Once the new site is
signed off on and all parties are satisfied the website is ready for
the general pubic, we release the new website and resubmit the domain
to the major search engines for indexing.
V. Evaluation and Support
Although the site
is now live for the general public to view, we’re not quite done.
After the site is released, we will get the best feedback possible;
that of the intended users. It can take months to determine if a
website needs either a revision or expansion as users discover and
learn to use the new features offered. Ongoing staff support can be
minimized some here due to the large and thriving open source
communities but should the services of The Design Mission be needed, we
are available.
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What We Do 
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