Our Process

Often, an organization will build a beautiful Web site, only to see it deteriorate over time. This results from a failure to develop a long-term Internet strategy that includes ongoing maintenance activities. In fact, the most successful Web sites have a cyclical lifecycle where an overarching strategy leads to tactical implementation, which in turn informs and shapes the strategy.

At Synergema, our process begins with strategy — clearly defining goals, objectives and audiences, as well as the site’s technical environment. Then we step logically through all of the phases necessary to build and launch a successful Web presence. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, we have the expertise and the resources necessary to help you maintain your Web site in top form after its launch, ensuring that it continues to support your business requirements and the needs of your customers.

Discovery

Discovery is the process of gathering the information necessary to meet your Web site goals and ambitions. This includes identifying:

  • The culture and internal language of your organization
  • The audiences of your Web site, as well as the ways they will use the online resources available to them
  • All functionality and site requirements
  • And other information vital to the design and development of your site

Our techniques to gather this information may include surveys, personal interviews, content collection and ideation sessions.

Clarification

Clarification is the first step in translating site requirements and objectives into an online user experience. The goal is to develop a site structure that helps users easily find content, complete tasks, and feel a sense of understanding of and affiliation with your organization. The deliverables of the Clarification phase are an appropriate information architecture and wireframes.

Design

Design involves placing a “skin” — a unique and compelling visual identity that defines the look and feel of your site — over the wireframes, content architecture, navigation schema, and other elements developed during the Clarification phase. We generally design multiple sections of your site to illustrate how a single design concept can be applied to pages at all levels of your Web architecture.

Implementation

After designs have been approved, implementation begins. Our programmers and technical experts work closely with the designers to make sure the form and function of your site are fully coordinated.

Testing and Training

We test your Web site thoroughly in various browsers and platforms. We also provide appropriate training so your staff is familiar with the site and can use it effectively.

Launch

We prepare your site for its public debut.

Ongoing Maintenance

Web sites don’t end with the launch — they begin. That’s why we work with you to address ongoing maintenance issues, which might include augmenting existing content or developing custom applications. We can either extend an existing team or become an in-house resource for organizations that don’t maintain design and development staff.