Project Planning

For each project we take on we develop a custom work plan that adheres to the principles of open communication, responsibility, and a shared vision. As we begin a new project, we ask a lot of questions. We talk extensively with our clients and other experts and we conduct research.

In the past, we have developed a wide range of projects: content-rich Websites, social media sites, mashups, kiosks, as well as multiuser and multi-touch exhibits. We try to take advantage of the qualities each approach and technology presents, while remaining focused on the visitor experience.

Project planning is an integral part of what we do. We understand that proper planning and an efficient creative process creates better exhibits. We work with the client to fine-tune the project plan to best fit the internal culture of the museum or organization that we're partnering with.

Discovery

When developing content-rich Websites or exhibits we look to our museum partner's expertise, while we also immerse ourselves in the subject. When we're designing mashups or Websites with a social dimension, we thoroughly explore the features and functions found in the social media environment. We create concurrent plans for ongoing social networking, as we develop the site or mashup.

Usability Testing

When we build complex Web applications and exhibits, we know it's vital to include testing and prototyping at the appropriate stages of development. This is especially true for emerging technologies such as multi-user and multi-touch exhibits. We conduct usability testing to better understand how visitors engage with new technologies and communicate with each other in the museum environment.

Test Driven Development

Our process includes test-driven development to make sure that key programming components are efficiently constructed and working properly. We also build prototypes to understand how complex elements and systems will operate under real-world conditions. Prototyping also informs the design process and can be combined with user testing.

Media Gathering and Research

We work with existing materials or we can help create new media. We shoot professional high-quality digital images, QuickTime VR panoramic scenes, and time-lapse photography. We've conducted video interviews with artists, scientists, educators, engineers, professional athletes, activists, policy makers, and cultural leaders.

In some of our projects, we help conduct research and develop content. In the past, we've searched scientific data and satellite imagery, collections of photos, rare books, and antique maps to find materials to make our projects more illuminating and more engaging.

Content Management

We create exhibits and dynamic Websites that can be easily updated with content management system (CMS) tools. We understand that many of our clients have limited time and need to be independent when it comes to updating their Website or exhibit.

Reliability and Standards Compliance

We take pride in our work and stand by it. We make interactive exhibits and dynamic Web sites that look great, perform well, and stand the test of time. We adhere to accessibility and other technical standards. Our projects have been honored by many of the top awards in the museum and design field.

Hosting and Maintenance

For the Websites and online exhibits we develop, we work to find the best possible solution for hosting and maintenance. Some of our clients have their own hosting plans, but we also operate and maintain our own servers. We run monitoring software and have decades of experience in efficiently operating Websites and maximizing uptime.

Outreach

For our Web projects, we build in search engine optimization (SEO) and other methods for outreach. With literally billions of Web pages, proper search engine ranking and promotion can make the difference in connecting with your audience. We’ve developed easy-to-use “viral” tools that allow visitors to share Web pages or media elements with other visitors or with social bookmarking services.