Phase 1: Discovery & Planning

Step 1: Initial Consultation

• What we do:
  • Discuss your vision, goals, and target audience.
  • Identify technical constraints (e.g., platforms, integrations).
• What you provide:
  • Business objectives, inspiration examples, and any existing branding/assets.
• Pro tip: The more details you share now, the better we can align with your vision.

Step 2: Scope Definition

• What we do:
  • Break down features into “Must-have” vs. “Nice-to-have.”
  • Estimate timeline and budget based on complexity.
• What you provide:
  • Prioritize features and confirm budget flexibility.
• Pro tip: Scope creep is the #1 project killer—let’s define boundaries early.

Step 3: Roadmap & Agreement

• What we do:
  • Create a shared project roadmap (tools: Notion/Trello).
  • Finalize contracts and payment schedules.
• What you provide:
  • Signed agreement and initial deposit.

---

Phase 2: Design (UI/UX)

Step 1: Wireframing

• What we do:
  • Draft low-fidelity wireframes (layout/structure).
  • Share clickable prototypes for feedback.
• What you provide:
  • Feedback within 3 business days.

Step 2: UI Design

• What we do:
  • Apply branding (colors, typography, imagery).
  • Deliver high-fidelity mockups for key screens.
• What you provide:
  • Content (text, images) or placeholder approval.

Step 3: Design Handoff

• What we do:
  • Prepare developer-ready specs (e.g., Figma to code).
  • Conduct a design walkthrough with you.

---

Phase 3: Development

Step 1: Sprint Planning

• What we do:
  • Break work into 2-week sprints.
  • Share a sprint backlog (features being built).
• What you provide:
  • Availability for sprint kickoff/check-ins.

Step 2: Development Cycles

• What we do:
  • Build frontend (what users see) + backend (logic/database).
  • Share weekly demos (e.g., GitHub preview links).
• What you provide:
  • Test features and flag issues promptly.

Step 3: Mid-Project Review

• What we do:
  • Assess progress vs. timeline.
  • Adjust scope if needed (formal change requests only).

---

Phase 4: Testing & Launch

Step 1: QA Testing

• What we do:
  • Test for bugs, speed, and cross-device compatibility.
  • Fix critical issues (e.g., broken links, security flaws).
• What you provide:
  • UAT (User Acceptance Testing) signoff.

Step 2: Pre-Launch Prep

• What we do:
  • Set up hosting, domains, and analytics.
  • Train your team (optional).
• What you provide:
  • Final content (e.g., privacy policy, contact info).

Step 3: Launch!

• What we do:
  • Deploy and monitor for 48 hours.
  • Hand over credentials/docs.

---

Phase 5: Post-Launch

Step 1: Warranty Period

• What we do:
  • Fix any launch-related bugs (typically 30 days).
• What you provide:
  • Report issues via a shared tracker.

Step 2: Maintenance Plans

• Options:
  • Ad-hoc support: Pay-as-you-go for updates.
  • Retainer: Monthly hours for enhancements.

---

Why This Level of Detail?

1. Reduces anxiety: Clients see a clear path forward.
2. Prevents misalignment: Everyone knows their role.
3. Professionalism: Shows you’ve refined your process.

Next Version Guide will contain:

• Screenshots of tools (e.g., Figma, Trello).
• Glossary (e.g., “What’s a sprint?”).
• Real examples (e.g., “This client’s timeline looked like…”).