Collective Discovery provides a variety of design services including web, print and process.
Website Design
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Business Collateral
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Technology Evaluation
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Process Management
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How do you scope and define a project?
Before any project begins, I want to meet with the client (in person or by phone). I need to understand the goals for both your business and the project. I want to know what you hope to accomplish with this work. I want to understand how you anticipate that the project’s output will impact your business and marketing approach.
Once I understand the project objectives, I create a proposal outlining the tasks to be completed, as well as the expected sources of materials and information. The initial meeting and proposal are done at no cost to the client. We both need to invest the time up-front to be sure that I can provide the services you need, at a cost that fits within your budget, and on your schedule. After seeing the proposal, if you give me the go-ahead, then we start working on the project, and at that point begin tracking billable hours. If you decide that you’re not ready to proceed, or would like to get an estimate from someone else, that’s fine.
Many people can write, program and create graphic elements. My focus is on information organization, usability and presentation — How is the material organized? How will the visitor or viewer typically traverse the materials? What will they be looking for? How will we know that their questions are being answered? Does the style of the end product reflect the personality of the business?
How much will my project cost?
There is such a wide range of implementation decisions to be made, and many factors can influence project cost. Each project is unique and has its own requirements. For this reason, I can not give you a price estimate until we have gone through the initial discussion and proposal process. Then you can be sure that I have given the project the appropriate amount of review, and you have an accurate estimate.
How long will my project take?
When I write a proposal, you’ll see a number of hours listed. Those are the actual, billable WORKING hours. Of course it would be fantastic if I could work all of those hours in a couple of consecutive days, and we’re done.
More realistically, the hours might spread over 2-4 weeks, or even longer, as I do some work, wait for your feedback, do some more work, wait again for your feedback, and so on. I’m usually working on anywhere from 2-4 designs at once, so while I’m waiting for you, I’m working on someone else’s project, and vice versa.
Be forewarned… I’m not usually the slowest factor in the process! I’ll have web pages ready and be waiting for clients to write content, find photos, etc.
When we start the project, if you have a deadline or goal to publication, we’ll figure out a schedule that works for you. I have done 20-hour projects over a weekend, when necessary. Not my favorite way to work, but it’s possible!