Client Guide v2.0
Posted by: Carl Smith on Friday October 3, 2008
Over two years ago we came up with the idea of a guide for clients that would help them understand exactly what was going to happen once they hired us. It still amazes me how big of a hit that guide has become. Over 500 people, including prospects, clients, advertising agencies, universities and other web shops downloaded it. We heard back from many of them that they started rethinking the way they approached web development.
Since then, we’ve continuously revised our process, but we never changed the guide. Creating this version was like exhuming a time capsule showing how much we’ve changed. One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is the absence of any usability references. While we still believe in and conduct a lot of usability testing, it’s not part of most projects due to budget constraints. So in order to craft a guide that addresses a typical project we removed it.
Over the last two years we’ve found the tools and service providers that make us the best we can be. As a result, the biggest additions are referencing Basecamp, ExpressionEngine, Rackspace and our content documents specifically.
Overall the guide still has the same objective, provide nGen’s clients a comfort level by highlighting our process, responsibilities and tips for staying on budget and schedule.
Without further ado, we’re happy to present Client Guide v2.0 (PDF). As always we’d love your feedback.
Comment RSS Filed under: Business, Process, Resources
Max Cameron
10.07.08 at 9:37am
Great work guys, I really like your new client guide: transparency is paramount, it empowers clients to understand your process, and it instills that elusive sense of client commitment that thrills us when we come across it. We’re working on our own client guide here, and you’ve inspired us to do it. This is a step towards broad standards in our field. Thanks again.
Carl Smith
10.07.08 at 10:49am
Glad you like the guide. It’s a labor of love to be sure but it helps prepare every project to go through the process. And, as I’m sure you know, if you can stick to your process it’s a lot easier to create awesome.
Jonathan Kochis
10.10.08 at 3:56pm
Absolutely love it guys – thanks so much for making this available. Following proven processes makes things run so much smoother, freeing up time for creativity. I think I’ve found myself a new internal project…
Carl Smith
10.10.08 at 9:23pm
Thanks Jonathan. You nailed it, when you have everything else running smooth you have the time to add some extra awesome to the project.