Timeline

The timeline for web development should begin on September 24 and run concurrently with the development of the branding process. Because Drupal's themes are modular, we can begin developing the functionality of the site independently of its look and feel. This allows us to move very quickly on the theme once the logo has been finalized.

One friction between the process we are proposing and the one identified in the RFP is that the theme development process is much more involved than the logo development process. As a result, theme development should not begin in earnest without a logo concept. The RFP timeline implies that both the website design and the logo design should be approved at the same time. We would suggest that the website design should be decided at least two weeks after the logo is approved, as logo concepts may be diverse enough to require dramatic theming changes. We have assumed the off-set schedule in the timeline we provide below.

• Development Timeline
  • Pre-production configuration: September 24-September 30
  • Module setup, User Control Development, Tagging, Advertising: October 1-14
  • News/Blogs, Events, Photo Gallery, Multimedia, Board and Chorus Sites: October 15-November 7
  • Content Creation Process Begins: November 1
  • E-Commerce, Site Testing (both by Zanlus and Amasong): November 7-28
  • Functionality Feedback from Committee and Board: November 14-21
  • Search Engine Optimization: December 1-7
  • Performance Optimization and Documentation: December 8-21
  • Final Testing Period: December 28-January 7
  • Pre-Register Users: January 7-16
• Theme Timeline
  • Pre-production of Theming: November 14 (after Board Decision on Logo)
  • Theme Development Research: November 14-November 30
  • Theme Decision with Board: December Board Meeting/Special Meeting?
  • Theme Implementation: December 1-December 28
  • Theme testing period: December 28-January 7
  • Validation: January 8-January 16
• Site launch for all three sites: January 17