Managing a project the Desktop way
We have processes and documentation in place to manage a project in two key stages:
PRE-PRODUCTION
Doing the 'ground work'
To achieve a meeting of minds and agree criteria and deliverables, we examine the initial brief and brainstorm the idea with all relevant parties.
Agreeing objectives
Having confirmed the validity of a concept, we develop a design blueprint showing the relationships between the content, search facilities, navigation, other systems etc. This is the basis for a detailed technical specification, which is honed in phase one of Production.
Planning
We continue planning by developing a production plan to guide the project through production. This takes the form of a schedule of milestones / deliverables and the resources that will be used to achieve them. It also lists responsibilities including client commitments.
PRODUCTION
Alpha release
During this phase we develop a sample creative treatment (the look of any interface - colours, typography etc), and image, audio and / or video styles. We also prototype all functionality such as navigation, inputs etc. and nail down the technical specification.
Beta release
This phase of production is the longest as it is when the bulk of the system is constructed and configured. If applicable, it can be used to test any part of it for both technical performance as well as content presentation acceptance i.e. to ensure accessibility conformance.
Gamma release
The final phase of a project is acceptance testing by you and your end users. When this is complete and all feedback has been considered and any problems have been resolved the product is ready for distribution or launch.
There are six important milestones in this process (highlighted in italics). See if you can put them into the correct position on a project timeline.