How can you build a web site development team to meet both objectives and still talk to each other in the morning? The role of an information architect as mediator is crucial.
The Plot
The client wants you to design and develop a new web site. A simple request, right? Not so simple when you consider that you must intimately understand the needs of both the site's intended users and the requirements of the client's business - to meet both sets of needs may require trade-offs impacting both the site's design and functionality. Achieving the right balance requires a broad mixture of often incompatible skills and mindsets that can create tension. The role of a customer focused information architect is therefore crucial as both mediator between the design and application specialists, and keeping the project on track for the client.
The Players - not a one man show
Regardless of how many people are involved, there are a number of roles in a development team, each with a specific charter:
- Information Architect: User advocate
- Business Analyst/Strategist: Business objectives, rules and decisions
- Web Designer: Visual communication
- Interface Developer: Presentation layer - putting the pieces together
- Application Developer: Nuts & Bolts functionality
- Database Developer: Data structures, applications and tuning
- Producer/Project Manager: Coordinator, communicator
Many of these roles can be combined. However, by definition, the skills and fundamental mindsets required fall broadly under one of either visual design or technical application specialisation. As these are at apposing ends of the spectrum, it is extremely difficult for one person to effectively do them all and objectively weigh up various options and compromises without imposing a personal bias.
The Action - avoid drama, create romance
The key to a successful web design team is to have one person ultimately responsible for looking after the site's best interests and who can act as mediator between designers and developers as required. This is not a warm-and-fuzzy role - the mediator is the bridge between designers and developers, able to speak to each in their own language while guiding both toward a common objective for the client.
A truly balanced team therefore contains at least three people in the process: a design specialist, an application specialist and a user-centric mediator.
The Finale - how to make a happy ending
Assign clear roles and objectives up front. Below is a checklist and description of the key roles to assist you in assigning them to people with the right supporting mindset.
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Steve Baty is the Senior Analyst at RedSquare, one of Australia's leading full-service Internet agencies. Founded in 1995,Red Square's clients include Telstra, Smorgon Steel Group, P&O Nedlloyd, Youth Hostels Australia and Panasonic Australia.
