A structured process, not just “building a website”
Every project follows the same eight stages, scaled to its size. You always know what is happening, what we need from you and what you will receive.
What the process gives you
Written scope before building
You approve what is being built before development starts.
Working software, early
We share progress in stages so problems surface while they are cheap to fix.
You stay involved
Your input shapes each stage, from first workshop to final testing.
The eight stages
Small projects move through these stages quickly. Larger systems spend more time in each. The order stays the same.
- Stage 01
Discovery
We start by understanding your organization, the problem you want to solve and the people affected by it.
What we do
- Talk with you and your team about how work happens today
- Review the tools, records and paperwork currently in use
- Identify the real problem, not just the requested feature
What we need from you
- Time with the people who do the work
- Examples of current forms, reports or systems
- Your goals and any known constraints
What you receive
- A shared understanding of the problem, the goals and the people involved
- Stage 02
Requirements
We turn what we learned into a clear, written description of what the system must do.
What we do
- List the users, roles and permissions
- Define features and rank them by priority
- Agree what is in scope now and what can wait
What we need from you
- Feedback on the draft requirements
- Decisions on priorities and trade-offs
- Confirmation of anything we have misunderstood
What you receive
- A written scope you can review and approve before design and build begin
- Stage 03
Architecture
We plan how the system will be structured so that it is reliable, secure and able to grow.
What we do
- Design the data model and how records relate
- Plan integrations such as payments and messaging
- Choose technology that fits the requirements
What we need from you
- Details of systems we must connect to
- Any security, hosting or compliance requirements
- Expected number of users and branches
What you receive
- A technical plan covering structure, data, integrations and hosting
- Stage 04
UX/UI Design
We design how the system looks and flows, so it is clear to use from the first day.
What we do
- Map the key journeys for each type of user
- Design screens for phones and larger devices
- Review the designs with you before development
What we need from you
- Your brand assets, where they exist
- Feedback on screens and flows
- Input from the people who will use the system
What you receive
- Screens or prototypes to review and approve before development
- Stage 05
Development
We build the system in stages, so you see working software early and can steer as we go.
What we do
- Build features in priority order
- Share working versions for review
- Adjust as feedback comes in, within the agreed scope
What we need from you
- Timely feedback on what we share
- Content, data and access we depend on
- A named person who can make decisions
What you receive
- Working software shared in stages throughout the build
- Stage 06
Testing
We check that the system works properly, on the devices and in the situations that matter.
What we do
- Test features against the agreed requirements
- Check on different devices and screen sizes
- Fix problems before launch
What we need from you
- Your team to try the system with realistic tasks
- Clear reports of anything that does not look right
- Sign-off when you are satisfied
What you receive
- A system tested against the requirements, with issues found and fixed before launch
- Stage 07
Deployment
We launch the system, set up the environment it runs in and help your team begin using it.
What we do
- Set up hosting, databases and backups
- Release the system to production
- Help your team get started
What we need from you
- Agreement on the launch date
- Accounts with any providers involved
- Your team ready to use the system
What you receive
- A live system and guidance so your team can use it with confidence
- Stage 08
Support
After launch, we keep the system healthy and improve it as your organization changes.
What we do
- Fix issues that appear in real use
- Keep the software updated and monitored
- Plan and build improvements
What we need from you
- Reports of problems as they arise
- Feedback on what is working and what is not
- Agreement on the support arrangement
What you receive
- Ongoing maintenance and improvements, as agreed with you
Ready to talk about your project?
Tell us what you are trying to achieve. We will start with discovery and take it from there.