HOW WE DO IT

Software development is a complex process. We understand that your decision to pursue a custom solution and commit to an agency requires a leap of faith. Third Mind has over 20 years of experience delivering successful custom solutions. We are expert at managing your risk. We educate and illuminate as we nurture your concept together. And yes, we will hold your hand.

Let Us Work for You, with You.

Our Process

When it comes to a successful project, expectations are everything. Do we understand what you want? Do we all agree how far out on the complexity spectrum we are going to push development? Do we know where the greatest risks reside? If clients and developers are on the same page, future surprises should be limited.

That said, what should you expect when you work with us?

Pre-Project Input

Every project is different. And any level of functionality can be built given enough time and budget. But there is a sweet spot for all development that is prioritized for the right delivery timeline and the available budget. Helping you find that sweet spot is one of our first goals.

• Digest requirements and goals
• Gather input from key stakeholders
• Consider high-level concept
• Establish proposal with pricing, phasing andtimeline

Project Discovery

This is where the heavy creative lifting takes place – where we design the technical solution.

• Clarify requirements – Where requirements are soft or undefined, we suggest a Discovery period where we work with you to solidify features and priorities, which are essential to a successful project.
• Develop solution concepts –  Third Mind subscribes to the principle that there is always more than one way to solve a business problem through information technology. We strive to present clients with more than one solution concept. There are a host of technological solutions available in the marketplace as well as different ways to apply such. Third-Party software or services may be best, complemented with custom integration and/or proprietary business process automation.  The optimal solution considers your priorities, timeline, and budget.
• Finalize solution concept
• Develop architectural design / platform decisions
• Develop functional specifications
• Develop the end-user experience (UX)

Prototyping / Proof of Concept (POC)

Multi-function projects benefit greatly from a prototype or proof of concept. Studies have shown that proving the solution in prototype form greatly reduces overhead during the construction phase.  It also positions for incremental development and, in turn, quicker delivery times.

• Determine the project’s highest risk areas
• Determine appropriate deliverables for the POC including functional, atheistic, and behavioral aspects
• Break POC into small phases to allow for frequent client review and collaboration

Project Development

This is essentially the construction phase – where the project is built out and takes it’s form.

• Configure server / platform / system
• Integrate design input
• Develop functionality
• Integrate content provided by client into the new site
• Quality assurance
• Client review / revisions / approvals

Implementation

When the development is complete, it’s time to refrain from making any further changes so planning can be done for going live.

• Freeze development
• Plan implementation
• Prepare for implementation to minimize obstacles / downtime
• Implement the site

Post Implementation

Once the site is live, we follow up with tech support and instructions for care and feeding of the new site.

• Provide tech support for site for pre-detemrined period
• Provide training
• Provide documentation
• Enter conversations about future enhancements or on-going support

{learn about our services}