Design Philosophy - Phase 1 : Defining the Project

The work done in Phase 1 sets the scene for the whole project. During Phase 1 the aim is to fully understand the clients needs, their business, their marketplace and competition, and to communicate that to the whole team involved.

During this phase, Prolateral Consulting aim to become an 'expert user' in the client's business. Only then can we really understand what the client needs to achieve with their web site. The tools and processes used allow the gathering of information from key people in the clients business, usually information they take for granted and which is critical to the business.

The aim is to gain as full an understanding as possible of the final audience for the website. Early work on this will ensure that the subsequent development of the web site will result in the site that the client's users want to use.

A key deliverable during this phase is the Design Brief; it allows the client and Prolateral Consulting to verify and agree that they both understand what each other understands about the project - not always a trivial achievement. Once everyone is in agreement, and everyone understands what the project is about; budgeting and planning can be agreed, and Phase 2 can start.