I employ a time-tested development process throughout a project's lifecycle.

My method for designing and building solutions is based on my own customization of the industry-standard Rational Unified Process (RUP) and SummitD methodologies, both of which are best practices software engineering methods that enhance productivity. I expand upon the tech-centric nature of these models by incorporating particular focus on User, business and cross-platform requirements. These requirements form the basis for architectural design and recommended functionality.

My process is a five-phase, iterative process. Producing actionable plans, achieving specific milestones, and delivering working components mark the completion of each phase. What does this mean for my clients? That the solutions I create are always compelling and intuitive for end Users, invigorating for the organizations they serve, and delivered through reliable and innovative technology.

Here's a top-level look at my approach.

1. Phase I: Discovery

Define project scope and develop a plan of action
The Discovery phase identifies (or validates), then prioritizes each client's online business objectives and defines the specific goals and intended outcomes of the proposed technology solutions. I then applies its expertise to the client's identified strategic objectives to provide a roadmap to guide the work and provide structure to the process for maximum client satisfaction.

In this phase, I serve as a catalyst for identifying and forging agreement upon the who, what, when, why, and where of technology solutions to ensure that the final product is successful on all levels and for all project stakeholders.

Depending on client needs, I focus on the following issues:

• Business Processes
• Target Audiences
• Current and Future Areas of Opportunity
• Building Consensus among Stakeholders

2. Phase II: Analysis & Planning

Identify best practices and document User preferences
Armed with an understanding of what drives each client’s success, I conduct a review and analysis of the industry and competitive landscape. Referencing web sites and portals that are highly-rated, award-winning and/or user-preferred in the given space, I will compile an assessment focusing on strengths, weaknesses and unique features. The goal of this phase is to identify best practices and my methodology includes analysis of several key areas, including Design & Branding, Navigation/Ease of Use, Content, Relevant Resources, and Opportunities for Communication & Feedback.

This phase also may include the development of User profiles to insure that design, content, and features that will be relevant, useful and attractive for each target audience segment. This is the key to developing a final product that engages each audience in a compelling and productive way.

Depending on the scope of the project, I focus on the following issues:

• Initial Benchmarking
• User Experience
• Information Architecture
• Technology Systems
• Brand Integration
• Functionality
• Design and Content Parameters

3. Phase III: Design

Create a compelling User experience and scaleable software architecture
Throughout the Design phase, I collaborate with the client, focusing on balancing business objectives with visual design, functional specifications and technical requirements. This interactive process results in achieving consensus on the specifications for the design concepts as well as the behavior of the functional system.

I will prepare a Creative Brief outlining the successful elements of design and content, and a Functional Specifications Document detailing each functional and navigational element. Consistent with my iterative process, these documents are reviewed with all project stakeholders prior to commencement of the project to insure all parties are in full agreement with how the final product will look, feel, flow and function. The combined use of a strategic Creative Brief and a detailed Functional Specifications Document allows us to establish specific milestones and deliverables, and manage change as it occurs.

Phase elements include:

• Incorporation of Business, Marketing and Branding strategies
• Creative Concept & Visual Design
• Graphical Interface development
• Systems Architecture
• Database Content
• Development of Use Cases

4. Phase IV: Development

Put all the pieces together
The focus of this phase is to build, test, and deliver a highly functional and reliable solution. Throughout development, I conduct thorough QA testing of each deliverable component. This comprehensive testing ensures on-time and on-budget deployment and significantly reduces the risk of costly surprises.

Phase elements include:

• Application Component Development
• Integration of Legacy Systems
• Implementation of 3rd party Software Applications
• Quality Assurance Testing

5. Phase V: Enhancement

Add value to the relationship
True to my partnership model, I mutually explore refinements and determine future initiatives that will add value in alignment with organizational objectives.