Development Process

Web Development Process

The Web Communications team follows the IT Governance Framework (OITGF1) when choosing development projects and deciding what to work on and when. In coordination with the Application Services team all project work is structured into quarterly release cycles, wherein the associated IT group(s) complete the necessary work for the requesting unit within the given three-month timeframe. In the case of Web Communications, the requesting unit will be provided with a completed website/application, with the option to launch immediately, or delay launching in order to spend additional time creating content for their site.

The Web Communications team strives to ‘Do things the right way’ by conducting projects in a structured way, where collaboration with stakeholders is valued. It factors in use of website frameworks for efficiencies in production; coding and web standards; use of established visual design elements and principles, and best practices for information architecture.

Where appropriate, Web Communications employs agile methodologies for project management. This process entails regular meetings throughout the development to discuss and demonstrate requested as well as recommended features and site structures.

Any needed accounts for the project are created and the initial kick-off meeting with the requesting unit occurs.

A complete inventory of the site content and directories on the server. Additionally, the assigned project manager from the requesting unit is sent a strategy document to review describing the project, goals, and a timeline proposal for the remainder of the project.

The requesting unit is provided with a proposed information architecture for the site, work estimates, and a plan is made for building any needed web framework customizations the unit needs, if any.

The team builds the site to the agreed upon information architecture and specifications, integrates any needed OVPUE Web Services, and ends with a final production meeting with the project manager and other stakeholder to receive a final sign-off on the finished product.

At this stage of the process units are given access to the site and receive training on how to maintain it without assistance. Also in this stage the final publish of the site takes place, analytics added, search capabilities implemented, and, lastly, any original site(s) are decommissioned and backed up.

Development Process

Web Development Process

Kick-Off

Information Architecture 1

Information Architecture 2

Production

Wrap-Up