Web

User maintainable database driven online applications, including shopping carts and portal environments are our specialty. We can tailor an environment to suit your requirements and provide a means to continually update the site using a web browser. Sites that can be updated by the user are more flexible, provide current information to the public and save on maintenance costs.

Our packages can be tailored to accommodate your budget and requirements.

Strong business and technical background combined with experience in managing and implementing diverse types of computer projects makes for sound project management. Successful projects have included: business consulting; business process review; feasibility analysis; specification; design; development; testing; documentation and standards; commissioning; training and enhancement. Extensive industry knowledge and thorough practical skills ensure a successful outcome for our clients.

The methodology is based on traditional software development techniques, modified by contemporary techniques and optimized for web site and web database applications. It places a strong emphasis on sessions with users to review and refine the system and ensure they are happy to sign off on the project outcomes.

Sites typically start with discussions and paper story boarding to clarify the concepts and user requirements. The client evaluates black and white paper mockups to determine usability and work flow. Complex portions of an application may require prototyping, particularly in the area of database. Multiple development and test machines are used, and once the site has passed the quality control procedures it is moved to a production server, and reviewed by the client. After acceptance it is then made available to the public.

Meetings are held to discuss and review any business processes involved in the development or ongoing use of the system, such as integration with existing administrative procedures. Standard business consulting procedures are followed

This design process concentrates on the three areas of design. They include: information design, interactive design and visual design.

Information design is determined based on work flow diagrams and user stories (that is, specifications). This design determines how to structure and present content and functionality within the web site.

Interaction design determines how the users interact and navigate the system. This is combined with user input and feedback, and aims to enhance the dialogue between the user and the web site.

Graphic design elements aid in communication and provide the look and feel of the site to reflect the corporate colours and professional persona of the organization. Consistency and positioning are key considerations in the visual design phase. Once the client approves the black and white mockups, detailed screen layouts are produced. These mockups incorporate the graphic design elements, images and colours appropriate for the site and allow the client to visualize the graphics and colours before any coding has commenced. Any changes or modifications are accommodated easily at this stage.

The goal of usability is to allow the user to complete tasks in a seamless manner aided, rather than confused by the technology. Portions of the system are trialled with novice and power users with improvements implemented based on their comments. These modifications form the basis for tailoring the system to increase usability and enhance the user's experience in a positive manner.

The usability evaluation consists of:

• Testing the usability of the design in the work environment;
• Potential design issues detected early;
• Aligning the design with business and usability goals;
• Checking the design conforms to existing standards; and
• Checking the consistency of the design.