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The Client Project
assigned: April 17
proposal due: April 24
BETA version due: April 29
In-class Workshop: May 1
Final version due: May 15
For the last assignment, you will create a Web-based projecct for a real-life
client on campus or in the local area. The client can be an organization,
a faculty member, a business, etc. In consultation with the client, you
will first create a "BETA" version of the site, which we will
workshop in class. Then you will take the feedback you receive in the
workshop to complete the finished project, which should be delivered to
the client by the date of our final exam. You will also send the URL of
the finished site to me as well.
The Client Project will include the following elements:
1. an informal project proposal addressed
to, prepared for, and presented to the client early in the process.
Bring two copies of a proposal draft to class on Wednesday,
April 24.
2. a BETA version of the project shared with the class for workshopping,
along with copies of the proposal to provide context (due Monday,
April 29.) We will workshop the BETA version on Wednesday,
May 1.
3. a final version delivered to the client and submitted to me
by the final exam date. As usual, this version will include a self
commentary that reflects not only on the final product itself, but
also on the process of working with the client. Due Wednesday,
May 15.
The Client Project Proposal
Write an informal proposal in which you detail your understanding of
the client's needs. This proposal will be given to and discussed with
the client early in the process. You should be specific about what
you propose to do for your client and when you will accomplish these tasks.
List any kinds of support or resources that you'll need from the client
(that is, verbal and visual content, use of a digital camera, etc.).
This proposal is essentially an agreement or contract between you and
the client which will define expectations. It should not, however, be
written in the legalistic or defensive language of a contract; your proposal
should instead strike a balance of conversational sincerity and business-like
seriousness.
Format of the Proposal
Your project proposal should be written to your client, not the
class or teacher. Formal proposals typically comprise six elements: introduction,
background, proposal, staffing, budget, and an authorization request.
Since I'm assuming that you will have talked to the client already, and
gotten at least a tentative, oral agreement to work with you, I'll ask
you just to focus on only three: an introduction, the background, and
the plan.
1. Introduction
This is the "executive summary" of the proposal. Catch the client's
attention by giving a clear, succinct idea of your understanding of her
needs and what your proposed Web project can do for them. Be creative,
but also use everything you know about the client's tastes, values and
goals to help ensure that what you propose fits in with the rest of the
client's operation. Keep in mind that you're presenting yourself as well
as your project, so tone is important.
2. Background
Before writing this proposal, you should talk to and study the client
to analyze a problem or challenge the client faces and the ways your proposed
project will address it. This section is your chance to show you understand
the situation completely. Indeed, in his book Secrets of Successful
Web Sites, the Web-design consultant David Siegel says a good designer
needs to understand the client's business better than the client does
himself-but of course you shouldn't tell your client this!
3. Plan
Here, you'll discuss specifically and practically how you'll go about
solving the problem: your methods, materials, software used, the schedule
you'll follow, etc. Specify when throughout the process you'll need any
content from the client, or when you'll want to meet or be in contact
with her, and when you'll be ready to show her the BETA version. Try to
make the client a regular part of your process to avoid unhappy surprises
or misunderstandings at the end. Remember that you'll also get feedback
from the class in workshop on the last evening of class. You should plan
on delivering the final project to the client on or before our final exam
time on Wednesday, May 15.
Self Commentary
As usual, this version will include a self commentary
that reflects not only on the final product itself, but also on the process
of working with the client. Due by exam time on Wednesday,
May 15. |