Working with Linking Arts

Our approach to Web Development takes into account the inherent tension between timelines, institutional processes, and the resources available in arts communities. Our strategy is: clarity of purpose, commitment to perfection and flexibility in execution. This ensures that expectations are sucessfully met, projects are delivered on time, and costs remain within budget.

Our workflow:

  1. Gather the information & determine scope
  2. Assess project and develop solutions
  3. Define and refine concepts and processes
  4. Build and test the application
  5. Install and deliver documentation
  6. Optimize and monitor
1. Gather the information & determine scope
In the first phase of the project we investigate what the client objectives are, who the target audience is, what features the client is interested in, what materials they may have, and what the technical requirements or limitations may be. Through this process we find out what constitutes success.
2. Assess project and develop solutions
In phase two we analyze the information obtained and come up with reasoned, creative recommendations for achieving the clients goals. During this stage we build prototypes, choose technologies, and begin documenting the project requirements. An important part of this stage is the creation of "user scenarios." The latter is an interactive process that identifies business processes the application must handle.
3. Define and refine concepts and processes
This stage is critical to the success of the project. Once we have clarified and agreed upon our approach, we begin the documentation process in earnest, creating technical specifications, style guides, and interfaces. Once everything is specified to satisfaction of the client, Linking Arts is ready to begin production.
4. Build and test the application
The production team now kicks into action, preparing all user content (text, videography, audio, etc) for the Web. HTML, Flash, programming and graphic design are implemented at this point. Designs and functionalities are fully tested and optimized, as is the production environment (servers, etc).
5. Install the application and deliver documentation
As the final delivery date nears, the client goes through our acceptance process and the site is launched. Administrative tools and the application documentation are delivered to the client, along with any materials specified earlier.
6. Optimize and monitor it
Using feedback from the client, we conduct a post-launch review and integrate any changes needed. We monitor execution times, log file entries and agreed-on application metrics, adding any optimization needed to meet user requirements.