The Design Process

It's all new...

We have a range of clients who come to us, some of whom are well versed on how an agency works and some who have never approached a design agency before and we thought we would give a brief outline of what to expect and how we, at ifour, work.
If you have more unanswered questions then do not hesitate
to get in touch.

Stage 1 - Initial briefing or meeting

This is the stage where we introduce ourselves and show you the types of things we can do. Most importantly we get to meet you (and your team) to find out where you are in terms of your business and where you see yourself heading. We discuss your project in depth and the ideas your currently have. Most of all we like to listen and be honest with our advice. We can keep things simple or talk technical, whichever your prefer. We are honest
and open and will always suggest the most suitable option
for your project.

The next stage we produce a cost proposal for the brief you have given us and we will not start the project until the particulars are agreed and you are fully happy. This way, we know what we need to deliver and you know what you are paying for. We will ask you to sign some terms and conditions and order approval and all our projects require a deposit before we can start work. We will also draw up a project schedule to incorporate a deadline that
is required.

Stage 2 - Concepts

This stage sees us take the knowledge learnt from you and research your target market and your competitors. We will brainstorm the ideas and themes of the project and turn sketches into computer generated concepts and wireframes ready
to present to you either by email or face to face. Whichever is
most convenient.

Stage 3 - Discussion and development

At this stage we will talk through our ideas and how we came to the solution(s). You can give us your immediate feedback or take the concepts away to go through in more detail with relevant parties. When you are ready, we will listen to your thoughts and opinions and discuss which elements you would like to be developed or refined. Nothing is set in stone – whether it be web, print or logo concept, this is your chance to express your thoughts and opinions and let us know if we have answered the brief you have given us.

We then complete these amendments (normally allowing a set amount of time for this stage within the initial proposal but this can be adjusted to accommodate all the changes you feel necessary before you are completely happy.)

Stage 4 - Production

This is the stage where your print document will be laid out with all appropriate text/images. Or the website pages developed, programmed and hosted on a staging server to allow images and copy (provided) to be added. When production is complete we will gain your approval of the finished project and require you to sign the project off.

Stage 5 - Print or website roll out

This final stage involves all documents being made ready for print and submitted to the printers ready for production.
If it’s a website we press the ‘big green button’ to go live so all the world can see. We always include training sessions of our website CMS system to enable you to get your team up and running updating the information whenever you are ready.

Stage 6 - Continuing support

We don’t just finish your project and say goodbye. We will keep in touch and with you to see if we can help you with anything else or give you a competitive quote on another project and with our websites, we are always on hand for updates and any technical issues you may have.