Our Process

Fastspot follows a strict process to ensure our projects are successful, on time and within budget. Fastspot's process is based on proven models which focus on discovery, research, planning, design, production and results. These models must all fit together to ensure the end product is not only amazing, but also delivers the results outlined as the primary goals.

Discovery

During the Discovery process, Fastspot works closely with our client's team to create a conceptual vision for the interactive experience. This process fosters a deep review and understanding of the project requirements and establishes a collaborative relationship between our clients and Fastspot. We begin by listening and asking lots of questions.

Clear communication and the identification of critical project goals is one of the most important first steps in our process. We absorb and analyze everything from current Website analytics to marketing materials. We discuss and determine the required approaches for target audience interviews and focus group sessions, as well as create our own competitive research and preliminary planning briefs.

Information Architecture

The Information Architecture phase outlines the new structure for the Website, defining features, structures and the overall flow. The resulting documentation clearly outlines the goals and requirements for the designs and primary branding elements.

Not only does this part of the process begin to create the blueprints from which the entire site and functionality will be designed and built, but it helps clarify content needs, refines language choice to positively impact Search Engine Optimization, coordinates specialized areas of functionality and ensures every area of the site is being appropriately and proactively planned.

Strategy

As the details and blueprints are being worked out, it is important to recognize that today's landscape is not simply one that focuses on a brand's Website any longer. With the explosion of social media, we feel it is critical for a client to explore and consider how they will exist in this new space and how they will engage their customers.

From Twitter to iTunesU, new online communities have evolved and provide exciting avenues for brands and organizations to connect with their audiences. Fastspot ensures the planning for a new interactive presence includes strategies and approaches for each relevant avenue and ensures our clients represent themselves in the most appropriate and results-oriented manner.

Design

Great design comes from great concepts. Without concepts, one is left with nothing more than a nicely-organized jumble of words and images. Concepts are the basis for every design created; they dictate differentiation; they embody personalities; they explore directions.

Once conceptual directions are identified and decided upon, interaction design begins. How will the customer or user engage with these concepts and brands? What story are we telling, and what is the beginning, middle and end? Along the way, we keep telling and adjusting our stories, based on user testing, client feedback and constant comparison to the directions determined in earlier stages.

Designs and the subsequent development process are highly contingent on the guides, documentation and specifications established alongside the visual elements.

Production

Fastspot plays a variety of roles during production, depending on a client's needs. Some projects require template development and asset handoff along with detailed style guides and specifications. Other projects involve a complete build-out, including everything from customized content management solutions to e-commerce integration.

Fastspot's technical skills include content managment systems, e-commerce, advanced Flash programming and development, mobile site development, iPhone application design and development, client and server-side development and custom application development.

Deployment

As projects get close to going live, Fastspot moves them into a Beta stage. It is during this phase that we ensure the project undergoes rigorous testing, cross-browser bug testing, final usability testing and a thorough review. The client is also becoming more active during this phase, getting hands-on training with the content management system, conducting in-office testing for intranets or other secure areas, and beginning to edit or add content as necessary.

We find that allowing our clients early access to the CMS tools ensures that when the site launches, the client team is already comfortable using the CMS, helping to facilite an easy transistion from Beta to live site.

Results

Once an interactive campaign—be it a Website, application, microsite, social media strategy, etc.—goes live, it's all about the results. Fastspot provides access to in-depth analytics, recommendations for monitoring a campaign's "buzz" and evaluations based on the goals for the project.

We are there to support our clients as any necessary tweaks or changes are needed for fine tuning and we continue to assess the success of the initiative throughout its lifespan, making recommendations or suggestions as needed.