Your Participation = Everyone's Success

Over 30 years of experience working on web and software development projects has taught us a few lessons (some the hard way).

• When clients are actively involved there are fewer surprises.
• When there is one internal partner to work with (Client Lead) there is less confusion and delay.
• When Decision Makers provide timely approvals and testing feedback it saves time and money.

Client Lead

We require one Client Lead for each project and they should be designated before the kickoff meeting. That person should be:

• Empowered to represent the organization in day-to-day decisions for the project, gathering whatever consensus is necessary from the rest of the stakeholders.
• Technically savvy and experienced working on technical projects; able to understand and respond to technical questions in a timely fashion.
• (Ideally) Authorized to make some budget decisions for the project (e.g., approve costs up to a certain amount).
• Available for, and an active participant in, discovery and status meetings, calls, approvals etc.
• Responsive to requests for information, materials, decisions, and approvals.
• Able to manage the Client calendar (e.g., to provide notice of vacations, holidays, etc.).
• Able to work effectively with the Decisions Makers (manage expecations, collect feedback and decisions).
• Able to devote 4-6 hours per week for the duration of a project.
• Able to designate a backup Lead if they will be absent for more than a few days.

Please note: We can work with more than one Client Lead, however it almost always increases the cost. We reserve the right to request a new Lead if we feel that the project goals or scope would otherwise be in jeopardy.

Client Decision Makers

This role can be served by the Client Lead if they are invested with the authority necessary. Decision Makers are expected to:

• Participate in testing when and as requested.
• Assign a trusted and responsible Client Lead to represent the organization.
• Provide timely feedback, approval and responses to requests.
• Review and approve the final Scope.
• Have a clear understanding of what will (and will not) be delivered.
• Provide timely responses to budget items (e.g., approve costs for stock photography, additional time for a feature).
• Review notes from (or attend) periodic status meetings.
• Able to devote 1-2 hours per week for the duration of the project.