Date post: | 27-Nov-2014 |
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Business |
Upload: | keith-bohanna-digital-strategist-deliverer-of-successful-web-projects |
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MANAGING DIGITAL PROJECTS
Digital Is Critical
! You cannot leave it to chance
! Or hope the web developer will manage it
! It won’t just work out
Lets set the scene
In most digital projects (websites, mobile apps, websites and databases/software)….
The client
! Don’t know what they want ! Don’t know how to communicate it
! Never understand what a developer is talking about
there’s more
! Don’t really want to do web stuff
! Can’t give it time ! Have unrealistic expectations
The Web Developer
! Doesn’t know what the client wants
! Is mediocre in the first place
The Web Developer
! Is either a graphic designer or a geek ! Neither think/communicate like a normal person
What can we do about this?
“Web Developer” Means Nothing
Undefined Unregulated
1
graphic designers
software developers
mobile apps developers
web developers
What do they look like?
! 2 to 4 people minimum (mix of design & tech skills)
! In business for a couple of years
! Relevant portfolio
CHOOSE THE WRONG ONE AND….
Tender Process
Consistency & Common Sense
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Tender Process
! You need a functional spec ! And a shortlist – at least 4 ! In document give interview date
Assessing responses
! Did they answer each of your questions?
! Are their responses clear?
Interviews
! Allow an hour ! Ask for a 20 minute presentation
! Watch their cohesion as a team – push them
! Push them
Interviews
! You need to meet the people who will directly work on your project
Web Dev!Co!
Relevant!Portfolio!Project!
Your Client Project!
Web Dev!Co!
Relevant!Portfolio!Project!
Individual!dev.!
Your Client Project!
Web Dev!Co!
Relevant!Portfolio!Project!
Individual!dev.!
Your Client Project!
Muppets!
Web Dev!Co!
Relevant!Portfolio!Project!
Contract!dev.!
Your Client Project!
Muppets!
Web Dev!Co!
Relevant!Portfolio!Project!
Individual!dev.!
Your Client Project!
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS
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Trust Your Instincts
! If their work is substandard then that is what they will deliver for you
Trust Your Instincts
! If you don’t understand them now then you never will
KISS by Steven Wright
You can’t have everything.
Where would you put it?
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KISS
! Everything takes longer than planned
! Most projects contain things that customers do not care about
KISS
! The more there is the more complex the project gets
! The more likely it will run over time or budget or just not work
KISS
! What to Do? ! Force stripping back to the basics
! It saves cash, time and stress
Content by me
Content takes bloody ages
4
Content
Good content takes longer than that
4
Content
! Plan for it from day one ! Consider getting a freelance content writer in
! Sort out photos and permissions early
The Commercials
Be fair, be clear
5
Commercials
! Building good digital (website/app) takes time
! That needs to be respected and paid for properly
! Daily rate €400 to €600
Commercials
! Set 2 to 3 key milestones and payment structure against them
Commercials
In a simple project maybe: ! Signed off design ! Material portion of site/app tested and signed off
! Final completed project
Finally
Communicate. Constantly.
Clearly.
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MANAGING DIGITAL PROJECTS The End