There are many approaches to accomplishing a successful project delivery, there is one approach that proves the most efficient time and time again. Part of my responsibilities at Blueprint is to make sure each phase of a project is as efficient as possible, which includes transitions. While every project presents a new set of challenges that helps our team mold and develop these transitions and phase deliverable.

While choosing the best project management approach is constantly subject to scrutiny, Blueprint uses an overall Water Fall Project Management approach while implementing a what I like to call micro agile programming. At Blueprint there are four phases to our project pipeline that after a contractual agreement has been reached.

1. Experience & Design Phase
2. Prototype Development Phase
3. Data System Integration Phase
4. Search Marketing Phase

Experience & Design Phase

This is the first initial phase where the scope is dissected and broken down into smaller task oriented segments. Further meetings with the client take place to get an in depth understanding of what their user segments will need to experience while interacting with the site and site features.

It’s crucial to the success of a project that the end user has the tools necessary for a successful experience while providing our clients their desired conversion. The user experience design team uses experience analytics and tools such as “heat mapping” and “click through” data to develop a successful layout.

Once the experience map has been developed we provide our clients screen by screen designs of each view and functionality the end user will experience. With Web Application projects, there typically is a “Back-End” dashboard in which a user will interact with to accomplish desired tasks. Our visual design team will gather design information and provide a realistic design of screen, pop up, slider, and gallery so our clients can have a clear view over how the site will work visually.

Prototype Development Phase

This is where “Front-end” coding takes place. Coding does not start until the Experience & Design Phase has been completed and approved. Each screen is then hand coded to match the design(s) perfectly. In the prototype phase, our clients can see the design come to like with functioning pop up, hover states, and animated graphics. Developing a web prototype is crucial to our client’s experience as it’s possible when viewing the site as a image compared to a functioning website, the over all feel can be altered.

During this phase no real data is being handled by the site. What data is shown is hard coded example data and cannot be manipulated through any site features. The purpose of the prototype is to get a basic feel for the over all functional interaction of the site. “Under the hood” of the prototype, we code for maximum download speed, and SEO optimized code regardless if the project involves search marketing.

Data System Integration Phase

This is where “back-end” coding and the magic begins. Creating appropriate data models and table relationships to handle data processes required by the functionality and features of the site. Developing the class structure to set up for each scoped functionality. Our Programming team creates the foundation of every project to be flexible and expandable. Once this has been set up, when go into what I call “micro agile” development.

Each feature is coded independently and attached to the previously build foundation. By using this methodology, we are able to measure deliverables and better foresee any changes in the schedule as well as more effectively manage the dreaded “scope creep”. Upon completion of this phase all example data is wiped from the data system and turned over for beta testing. The beta group will repopulate the data system with information to flush out any bugs or logic errors that may have been overlooked. Once all issues have been corrected and the site has been approved, any further required data is input and the site is then launched.

Search Marketing Phase

Depending on the search marketing campaigns, there are micro phases that take place through out the entire project pipeline. This phase covers search engine optimization (SEO) including key word discovery and analysis, on-page and off-page seo, competitor strategic development, social media marketing campaigns, public relation campaigns, video marketing campaigns, and link building campaigns.

Each campaign is custom designed and geared towards your conversion goals to provide our clients the Return On Investment (ROI) they desire to grow and expand their business. Custom campaigns gives you the flexibility to market in unique avenues of revenue stream such as optimizing through Baidu for the Chinese market and creating custom social media content campaigns.

By: Blueprint