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Our Approach |
| Development Services and Process | |
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Read about our company,
our work, and our development process in Our services cover the full range of Web development
activities, from needs assessment, conceptualization, research,
content development, and script writing, to information architecture,
graphic design, rights clearance, illustration and animation, back-end
programming, and Web production. Projects typically range in cost from $25,000
to $250,000 or more. Development time ranges from six to eighteen months.
We take seriously the need to measure the quality and impact of our
projects and have conducted evaluation programs independently and in
collaboration with outside evaluators.
We firmly believe in a collaborative development process with our clients, and find that such a process results in a superior end product and user learning experience. We usually have an initial face-to-face meeting for concept development, followed by frequent contact through email and conference calls throughout production. To facilitate collaboration, we set up a wiki for each project, which becomes the home for all design documentation as well as visual designs, scripts, and prototypes. Design Process
Working almost exclusively with non-profit organizations and government agencies, we recognize the critical need for accurate budget estimates and efficient project
management to ensure that we achieve project goals. We typically work on a fixed-fee basis, with all expenses included within that fee, and appreciate that there is rarely
additional money available. Because most projects have a set budget from the very beginning, we work diligently in the planning phase to ensure the project can be
accomplished within that budget. If the project parameters change during
development, we discuss options with the client to find an agreeable solution. We have never surprised a client with a bill for unexpected expenses.
We have developed a structured game and interactivity design process that produces a blueprint for production. The first step is to refine and make explicitly the project audience goals. The next step focuses on concept development. Framing a Big Idea distills the myriad themes and ideas into a single coherent statement that serves as a touchstone for all subsequent development. A strong affective concept helps make the activity immediately meaningful to the target audiences. Step Three delves into more detail, outlining the game scenario and elements. Here we also review the content requirements in terms of specific assets (text, media, etc.) and make a plan for the necessary content development. Step Four takes us from this outline to a full-fledged design document, including a detailed description of the gameplay as well as sample scripts. Finally, in Step Five, we tackle look and feel, thus ensuring that the visual presentation serves the functional and experiential needs of the project. Wireframe layout grids help us focus on interactivity and usability before we turn to the actual graphic design. Only after finalizing the wireframe layouts do we start work on design comps that will establish the look and feel of the game. Approval of the design comps completes the planning process and results in a final Design Document that drives subsequent production of the game.Testing
We are devout believers in the importance of user testing and have worked with top evaluators in the museum field, including Minda Borun, Selinda Research Associates, and the Institute for Learning Innovation. We also conduct user testing ourselves, applying what we have learned from the experts when the evaluation budget is limited. We have access to youth from several nearby schools and will test the game with these youth, as well as half a dozen adults, to identify usability issues that we can solve in the final versions of the game.
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