How We Work

Bigfish Phased Delivery

Our methodology for developing web sites blends fundamental business analytics with innovative discovery techniques; combines tested development practices with high-impact, creative problem solving; and leverages best-of-breed technologies to deliver solutions.

Our projects are divided into six major phases:

1. Discovery
2. Business Orientation and Marketing Plan
3. Requirements and Architecture
4. Detailed Design
5. Development and Test
6. Launch and Evaluation

These phases are further segmented into processes and activities that serve as the basis for our managed approach to development. The managed approach focuses on milestones and deliverable-based scheduling—two critical components for managing a project effectively within time and budget constraints.

Our methodology is based on the experience and belief that the success of both the project and the client relationship lies in establishing a common understanding from which to begin. This approach ensures that Bigfish and your organization establish a solid foundation on which to base the delivery of solutions in manageable phases. This structure provides the framework in which processes within the project are adapted to each client’s particular needs, and deliverables are customized to achieve specific client objectives.

Discovery
This phase allows for fact finding through workshops and interviews.  Through this effort we are able to identify the major themes for our campaign through employee, vendor, and clients perspectives. 

Business Orientation and Marketing Plan
During this phase we seek client disclosure of current state-of-the-business, industry context, management structure, planned acquisitions, client targets, growth objectives, and employee contribution. 

Requirements and Architecture Phase
The Requirements and Architecture phase provides the client with conceptual solutions for a given initiative, as well as requirements from a creative, information architecture, and technical perspective. The end product of this phase is a Requirements Document that contains the functional requirements and design solutions for the project. Risks and assumptions are reduced through a suite of procedures that are seamlessly integrated with Bigfish strategy on the front-end and detailed design on the back-end.

Detailed Design Phase
The Detailed Design phase provides a design model that is sufficiently detailed to ensure that the solution being built satisfies stated requirements and meets expectations. The team completes enough of the design model to achieve the “critical mass” necessary to mitigate all known implementation risks of development and testing of the appropriate components. This phase generates the Look and Feel and Storyboards that transition the project directly into development. Within the Detailed Design phase, the following processes are associated with tangible deliverables to the client:

• Wireframes
• Rough Comps
• Tight Comps

Development and Test Phase
The Development and Test phase is designed to implement and test the complete capabilities of the solution. During this phase, the team produces and tests all solution components, integrates the components into the staging environment and performs testing on the complete build. Within the Develop and Test phase, the following processes are associated with tangible deliverables to the client:

• Development
• Testing

Launch and Evaluation Phase
The Launch and Evaluation phase is as important as any other in the Methodology. A hasty or ill-prepared launch can create unexpected problems that are often visible to the end customer. In this phase Bigfish ensures that the site is ready to be launched and effectively supported before going live. After launch, Bigfish uses formal procedures for transitioning control of the solution to the client, taking into account client acceptance and preparedness for maintaining the solution. Within the Launch and Evaluation phase, the following processes are associated with tangible deliverables to the client:

• Deployment Preparation
• Site Launch