Boston Web Design Branding - Brand Identity Guru

It is important for both the Client and the Developer to be aware of Creeping Functionality and how to prevent it. At Storm Code we use a phased approach to development that can not only help prevent Creeping Functionality but also increases Actual Value, as opposed to Perceived Value.

Consider the original features and functionality of the project to be List A. Any features and functionality that were discussed during the Information Gathering phase that were seen as unnecessary or outside the current project scope, budget or time line are added to List B. List A has a deadline and a budget. After the deadline the website, or web application is released and the client makes it known that they have a new website or web application and people begin going to the site to check it out. This results in exposure, sales, leads, and much more. If Creeping Functionality had been allowed into the project then the release date would be pushed back and that exposure and everything that goes along with it would not exist.

List B consists of everything discussed during the Information Gathering phase that was not inside the original project scope, as discussed above. List B also consists of all the features and functionality that were thought up during the Development phase. In other words, all of the Creeping Functionality that could have effected the budget and time line. List B is considered to be Phase 2 of the project. After the website or web application is released, work on Phase 2 can begin. A new project proposal is drafted and contract signed. A new deadline and budget is created and work begins again anew. When the Phase 2 project is completed the Client can then spread the word that their website or web application (that is now no longer considered new) has some cool new features and functionality that everyone should come check out. If everything had been piled onto List A, it's possible that the original project may not even have been completed by this time, and if it had, that would be it. No opportunity to invite users and potential clients back to the website or web application because no new features would be coming along.

A website or application is a marketing tool and nothing speaks better about a company or individual then if they keep their website or application up to date and constantly evolving with new, thought out, features.

A branding company's website purpose is to design websites that will attract attention, give a professional image and support the message you are trying to convey in writing. There are arguments for doing your website design in-house. However website design, search engine optimization and copywriting is a very specialized area and utilizing a website design company can pay big dividends.

It is a cross between graphic design, programming, copywriting, brand building and direct marketing. It is difficult enough trying to find a website design company with these skills, let alone finding the talent in-house. If your website is going to become a major focus of your business, then it could possibly be worth considering hiring a full-time website design company with the necessary search engine optimization and copywriting skills. At the very minimum one percent of the websites around the world, use this as a back end system.