Questions? info@smallbox.com
The Project
Bringing you and those you serve into the design process.
Our approach is deeply rooted in the process of human-centered design, often called design thinking. This non-linear methodology encourages new perspectives and sparks innovation inside even the most traditional organizations. Our work is defined by asking questions, synthesizing input, embracing and managing uncertainty, and understanding people and their unique needs.
Below, we’ve outlined our intended project plan. The timeline is broken into high level phases, followed by a brief description of each, including tasks and deliverables to be conducted and developed. Please note this is a rough estimate and all of our services are scalable. We look forward to working with you to customize the plan to best fit your needs.
Research & Opportunity Analysis
This phase will focus on empathy-driven design research to help us identify audience needs and site goals that will invigorate its purpose and impact. We’ll work as closely as we can with those you serve (internally and externally) to help define accurate perceptions, experiences, and context. Research may include interviews and surveys, as well as a content and analytics review of the current site. After research, we will identify insights and opportunities before regrouping to review with the core team.
Timeline
2-3 Weeks
Description
Our human-centered design approach puts people at the center of the problem solving process. Quadel will help recruit any audience members and stakeholders needed for the success of the project.
Project Phase Deliverables
Project Kickoff
Existing Research Review
Audience Research
Insights & Recommendations
Planning
Planning gives the best ideas an overall strategy and framework that will inform production. Details begin to come together and we will experiment with prototypes. During this time, we’ll bring our teams together for what we like to call a Factory Day (thank you, Andy Warhol). This will be a creative and collaborative day focused on reviewing the opportunities and co-designing key elements of the site. Bonus points if we’re also able to include potential or current customers! What we don’t finish during the session, we’ll wrap up within the week as we prepare for designs to begin.
Timeline
2-3 Weeks
Description
This is a highly collaborative time. Once the sitemap is finalized, this will be a critical time for the Quadel team to begin content production. We have found the amount of time a client will need for this is often underestimated.
Project Phase Deliverables
Wireframes
Sitemap
Functionality Requirements
Asset Inventory
Design
Building upon initial wireframes from planning, we’ll begin to shape the rest of the site’s foundation moving into designs. While content production and editing should begin as soon as the sitemap is defined, this is a critical time for Quadel and those managing content — whether written, visual, or media-based. While SmallBox can project manage and support content, Quadel will be responsible for content production, editing, and population of content in the CMS.
Timeline
3-4 Weeks
Description
Optional add-on, during this phase, we can also conduct UI/UX testing, focused on messaging, functionality, or look and feel, etc.
Project Phase Deliverables
Design (5-8 custom templates)
Content Support & Coaching
UI/UX Testing (optional add on)
Development & Launch
Once all designs are approved, our developer will bring the site to life. This can be a quieter phase for the project team, but it’s a good time to think about launch announcements and finalize any content. About half way into development, the team will gain access to the CMS and content population can begin — moving all content from the staging environment to the CMS. Upon completion of development, QA will ensure the site properly renders across devices and browsers.
Timeline
3-4 weeks
Description
During this time, we recommend the Quadel content team block a couple of days to populate content in the CMS, which we can help support.
Project Phase Deliverables
Development
QA
CMS Training
Content Population Support
Launch
Post-Launch Support
Once the site is launched, we will roll into a support agreement. Should the site need maintenance or support you can email support@smallbox.com and we’ll respond within 24 hours (usually less than that), with additional questions or a timeline and estimated cost. To ensure a seamless experience and optimal efficiency, when possible, we make every effort to ensure the developer who builds your site will also manage the support requests.
Timeline
Ongoing
Description
These contracts are usually an hourly agreement at $200/hour, but we can also discuss a retainer and therefore a discounted rate.
Project Phase Deliverables
To be determined upon need