How we work
BrightMinded turn people’s bright ideas into brilliant digital experiences. We have years of software, web and app development delivery experience. Over this time we’ve developed a successful four step approach to ensure that our clients and their user base get the outcomes they need.
We’re experts in our field
Every client deserves first class input and expertise on their project, and to deliver the best possible service we follow a clear workflow process. This ensures the best use of everyone’s time, and keeps our clients up to date at every stage of the project.
When you’re developing bespoke software every project is different – after all every client is unique. Building a membership platform with an integrated CRM will involve a different discovery phase to that for an ecommerce site, which will be different again from an elearning platform. Even with these differences there is a common process we build on and adapt, and we’ll describe a typical website build project below.
At the start of any project we schedule a kick-off meeting where we introduce the key people involved from both sides, and establish how we’ll run the project. We document the key deliverables and milestones, taking into account the availability and capacity of the client team. And then we get started!
Discovery
In this first phase we get to know your organisation and any other stakeholders and audiences, for example website visitors, members or funders. As part of discovery we incorporate any research and / or analytics you may have already done into your users and needs, and identify any gaps.
Design
Based on the discovery work we develop an information architecture and content plan for the new website or platform. These lay out all the pages that will be required, and detail the content that will go on each. From the content plan we produce wireframed designs of the key templates and components. These are sketch-like visuals that show the content of each page, without any branding, to allow everyone to focus on the structure and functionality.
After the wireframes have been signed-off we create full visual designs incorporating any existing brand guidelines. At each stage we iterate with the client team to adapt the designs to their feedback.
Development
Next it’s time for our software engineering team to turn the designs into reality. We usually work with fortnightly ‘sprints’ to implement a set of features every two weeks. This lets us make progress in an iterative manner and schedule ‘show and tell’ sessions where we can demonstrate the new features to the client. We also hold regular project management calls to ensure the build unfolds as planned, check in on any questions that arise, and identify any new opportunities and challenges.
User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
When development is complete we hand the new website over to the client for the final stage in the process. This is when the your check that what we’ve built meets your expectations, and let us know if there are any snags or bugs to attend to. At this point we also give training on the Content Management System that allows the you, or your team to populate the website with text, images, and any rich content.
Launch
Once all the content has been added we launch the shiny new site so that the whole world can see it!
Post launch
We believe in having lasting relationships with our clients and supporting them for the long haul. This can include developing a new feature, or taking into account some critical feedback that requires adjustment. A website isn’t like a piece of print, and with the foundations we build together it can keep evolving and keeping pace with what’s happening today and tomorrow.
We can help support and empower your team with the following and much more:
- Maintaining your RoI – ongoing monitoring of user behaviour and engagement by regularly reviewing analytics to identify areas for improvement and iterate on the content hub accordingly.
- Continuous improvement – based on feedback from users, stakeholders, and team members, iterate on the new website, by making adjustments and working with the information that’s been gathered to date.
- Reflecting on impact – consider what learnings can be shared, and any enhancements that can be made. Sense-check what didn’t make it over the finish line for phase 1 and assess whether these items are still desirable.
- Design and implement feedback mechanisms for internal stakeholders and members to ensure continuous improvement for your new digital experience.
We worked with BrightMinded on modernising and reorganising our information-rich website. They listened to our views, built on work we had already done, and brought fresh ideas of their own. They met our project deadlines and communicated well with us.