methodology

webqem follows a proven, effective and rigorous development methodology when building web sites.

Our years of experience in software development has helped us create a process that produces sites that do what you want in the timeframe that you require. At the same time, we are careful not to become slaves to our methodology and can work as flexibly as you require.

conceptual design

In this phase, webqem spends time understanding the client's business processes, functions, target markets and what drives their need for a web site.

We analyse the client's existing web site (if they have one), promotional material, brochures and forms to understand the core business requirements.

webqem produces a Conceptual Design Document that includes a quotation, an overview of the scope of the project, the deliverables and an indicative timeline. Any perceived problems and issues are flagged from an early stage to ensure they are addressed in a timely fashion.

detailed design

The foundations of a successful project are laid in the Detailed Design stage.

webqem analyses the business processes and requirements, identifying possible solutions and alternatives.

This may involve prototyping, developing mini "bare-bones" working examples, to help both the client and webqem understand the potential solutions and any issues they may raise.

Along with the technical details, the information architecture of the site is analysed and developed. During this process the content requirements and navigation are determined.

The "look and feel" for the site can then be developed, either based on existing material or designed from the ground up. Mock-ups and layouts are produced to develop a suitable style for the site.

A Detailed Design document is produced to form the specification for the site build. This includes:

Screen mockups
Site hierarchy
Page templates
Data models
Entity relationships
Database design
Hardware requirements
Software requirements
Refined quote
Detailed plan

development

During this phase, webqem technical staff put together the pieces of the jigsaw according to the plan laid out in the Detailed Design document.

The images, icons and other graphic elements that give the site its look and feel are created.
Databases are setup and populated
The applications that drive the site are coded, accessing the database to retrieve information and then formatting the output according to the visual design
The administration routines are developed and tested

Several phases of testing are undertaken at this stage:

System Testing, where each individual component is tested to ensure it meets design requirements
Integration Testing, where each component is tested with it's interfacing components to make sure that as a whole the system functions correctly
User Testing, where the client steps through a series of test cases to ensure the application functions according to their requirements.

implementation

This is the final stage in the development process, involving:

Documenting the technical, administrative and other features of the site
Moving the application components to the production server(s)
Assurance testing - to confirm that the application has been migrated successfully
User training - demonstration of administrative functions

Once the site is live the project moves into a "Maintenance" state - where fine tuning occurs as required.