Project process for a small business or start-up.
The approach is flexible and depends entirely on scope of the project. That said, all projects typically include research, creative strategy, design, and implementation. Take a look at the typical process for brand naming, visual identity (logo design) and website development projects.
Brand Naming
Introduction - face to face or video call
Kickoff - briefing meeting
Discovery - research market, competitors, etc
Generate - brainstorm long list (digital whiteboard)
Filter - create shortlist based on criteria from the brief
Review - desktop check regarding duplication & URL availability
Present - shortlist including recommendations
Select - preferred name selected and approved
Visual Identity Design
Introduction - face to face or video call
Kickoff - creative briefing
Discovery - research market and visual landscape
Design Development - explore concepts
Present - 3 logo concepts inc. context examples (mock-ups)
Refinement - chosen concept refined (if required)
Application - colour palette, supporting typography
Sign off - design approved
Deliverables - identity guide (1-2 page PDF), final logo artwork (digital/print formats)
Website Design & Development
Introduction - face to face or video call
Kickoff - creative briefing
Discovery - research market and visual landscape
Sitemap - navigation and pages (flow diagram)
Wireframe - key page content and functionality (digital whiteboard)
Assets - source, create and optimise (photography, iconography, etc)
Setup - content management system (eg. Squarespace, Shopify, etc)
Design - page layout, element styles, typography
Development - build page content, copywriting, navigation, forms, etc.
SEO - on page best practice (titles, descriptions)
Testing - responsive across desktop, tablet and mobile
Launch - repoint domain name
Hand off - create user admin accounts and CMS training (if required)
