A better way to build websites

Traditional project management approaches don't work when developing websites. Fortunately there is a better way.

1. A better way to build websites
2. “Online is a genuinely new game and playing field. We must bring new thinking if our strategies are going to succeed.” Usability expert, Gerry McGovern
3. Traditional project management
4. Define specification Define budget Define resources Define timeline
5. Define specification
6. Define budget
7. Designer (Print) Developer (IT) Project manager Content editor (Coms) Internal or External? Define resources
8. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Start End Define timeline
9. 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Redesign Redesign Redesign Redesign Redesign Periodic redesigns Replacing previous site Significant capital outlay
10. Traditional project management doesn’t work on the web
11. “The web requires cross discipline and cross departmental communication”
12. Designer Developer Project manager Content editor
13. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Redesign Redesign Redesign Redesign Threshold of effectiveness
14. 2008 2009 2010 2011 Redesign Redesign A lack of activity, vision & leadership
15. Launch 5 weeks 1 year 2 year Expenditure in time and effort Lots What we know about users
16. A proven approach
18. 4 components for success Becoming user focused Create a single empowered digital team Work incrementally Establish policies and procedures
19. One: Becoming user focused
20. Why? ★ Reduce costs Avoids building functionality that is not needed ★ Increases effectiveness Increases customer satisfaction and so conversion rates ★ Provides a criteria for inclusion Prevents academics demanding certain content is added to the site whether or not its appropriate
21. User cards
22. As a prospective undergraduate student. I want to look at what courses Edinburgh offers in a particular subject area. So I can decide whether to include Edinburgh in my shortlist of Universities.
24. Two: Creating a single team
25. Information services Web team Schools Departments Comms
26. Web team Comms Information Services Schools
27. Digital Lead Web team
28. Three: Working incrementally
29. Priorities Select Define Test & monitor Anybody can propose a new card
32. Four: Establish policies & procedures
33. Establish business objectives Fundamental
34. Why? ★ Creates consistency A set of business objectives agreed by all ensures that the digital strategy is heading in a consistent direct. ★ Filters ideas Suggestions for content or functionality that does not support a business objective can be rejected. ★ Provides accountability Business objectives can be turned into measurable success criteria to check the web team is performing.
35. Creating a consistent user experience
36. Establish a tone of voice
37. Accessibility policy Content approval Content removal Development standards Testing requirements Social media policy ...
38. The fat ass footer solution
39. ★ Become user focused ★ Create a single team ★ Work incrementally ★ Establish policies and procedures Traditional project management doesn’t work on the web but there is a better way.