Discover
The discovery phase is where ideas are molded into a working reality. During this phase, Quality Process identifies the target audience, explores what the product should look like, creates an information architecture, selects the right technology, designs the support infrastructure, and tests assumptions. At the completion of the discovery phase, we establish a list of design and development tasks, a set of known project risks, and more specific estimates to again validate the business model.
Target Audience
Who will be using the product? Imagine your target audience using the product. What actions do they expect or require and in what order? How media rich is the experience? What features and behaviors of the interface must be developed for initial product deployment, and what aspects should be added in the future? These all need to be discussed.
Branding
What does the product look like? If there is an existing brand, assets are gathered from the client, and guidelines are discussed as to how the brand should be applied to the product. If there is no established brand or the brand needs updating, a strategy should be developed.
Information Architecture
What is the end-user experience? The information architecture provides a conceptual framework of the entire product to not only estimate costs and validate the business model, but also to cost-effectively generate a paper prototype of the user experience, which can be discussed and approved before the beginning of the design phase.
Infrastructure Architecture
How will the product work? During this stage, all elements of the system required for deployment are listed. This includes database support, administrative interfaces, technologies to be licensed, hardware, services to be purchased, and the staff skills and knowledge necessary to support it.
Select Technologies
What is the right technology? It is paramount that the system architecture be established before development begins. Quality Process is non-partisan when it comes to technology. We recognize that each technology has its advantages and disadvantages and must be evaluated for its suitability for the particular project.
We are experienced in a wide range of technologies and keep abreast with innovations in this rapidly changing industry. Our focus is on always looking to the future. This enables us to be extremely effective in selecting the right technologies for varied challenges.
Test Assumptions
Are these assumptions right? Focus groups tend to be a luxury most companies cannot afford. However, failing to test assumptions can prove catastrophic. Quality Process works with the client’s marketing team in the most cost-effective method to survey the marketplace.
Detailed Estimates, Risk Identification and Scheduling
What will it cost to build this? What are the risks? How long will it take to build? Just as critical as the preceding steps, the initial specification list must be expanded with known development tasks, system architecture and key technology issues outlined. Creative direction, project estimates, project risks, milestones and delivery schedules are re-evaluated.
The discovery phase is a vital part of the entire process. We at Quality Process understand this and have developed techniques to perform it cost efficiently but thoroughly. A well executed discovery phase enables our clients to realize considerable advantages in the next phase, the design and development phase.