Maybe you’ve heard of creative-as-a-service subscriptions. Maybe you haven’t. Put simply, it’s a way to gain access to a design and development team for a fraction of the cost of building an internal marketing team. Pretty cool idea but not all options are created equal. Finding a creative-as-a-service subscription that not only covers your design needs but also handles development is harder than it should be. The cool thing is, there is an option out there and we here at Expedition are one of the few that offer design and development together for an affordable price. We’ve compiled a list of the perks our clients have mentioned for why they chose a subscription model that offers this rare combination.
Why should you care about an integrated approach?
When it comes to launching a successful website or digital product, having a cohesive and integrated approach to both design and development is crucial. By working with the same agency for both services, you can ensure that your design and development teams are working seamlessly together towards achieving your goals. This means more efficient communication, faster turnaround times, and a better overall end product.
In addition, using one agency for both services can also lead to cost savings and more streamlined processes. Rather than having to coordinate with separate design and development agencies, you can work with a single point of contact who can oversee the entire project.
What are the benefits of design and development services through a single agency?
A comprehensive approach to launching a new website or digital product offers numerous benefits: a seamless and cohesive design process, streamlined communication, and a cost-effective solution. Having both teams work together also ensures that the design and functionality of the product are aligned and executed seamlessly. This helps to create a better user experience and can lead to increased engagement and conversions. The list below outlines just a few of the many benefits we’ve compiled from clients.
1. Enhanced Communication and Collaboration
In an agency where design and development services coexist, communication barriers are significantly reduced. Designers and developers work in tandem, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas can be exchanged seamlessly. This close-knit collaboration ensures that the vision of a project is shared across both teams, leading to a more cohesive and effective end product.
2. Consistent Design and Development Standards
When design and development are carried out by separate entities, there’s a risk of misinterpreting a variety of project goals and expectations. Integrated services within one company allow for the establishment and maintenance of consistent design and development standards. This ensures that the final product not only looks aesthetically pleasing but also functions seamlessly, providing a positive user experience.
3. Efficient Workflow and Timely Delivery
A key advantage of integrated design and development services is the streamlined workflow. Design decisions can be implemented swiftly without the delays that may occur when working with external design teams. This efficiency contributes to faster development cycles, enabling projects to be completed on time or even ahead of schedule in most cases.
4. Cost Savings
Opting for an agency that offers both design and development services can lead to cost savings. Collaborating with one entity reduces the need for extensive communication channels and negotiations between different service providers. Additionally, potential conflicts and misunderstandings that can arise when working with separate teams are minimized, preventing costly revisions. Our Creative-as-a-service subscriptions offer cost-effective solutions for companies of all sizes and industries that require ongoing or seasonal design and development support. This is also a major reason for outsourcing design and development services rather than hiring in-house.
5. Holistic Problem-Solving Approach
Integrated design and development services allow for a holistic problem-solving approach. Designers and developers can collectively address challenges, leveraging their combined expertise to find optimal solutions. This synergy enhances the overall quality of the end product and ensures that both design and functionality are prioritized throughout the development process.
6. Seamless Iterations and Updates
As projects progress, iterations and updates are often necessary. Integrated services facilitate seamless communication between design and development teams during these phases. Changes can be implemented swiftly, and feedback from both sides can be incorporated efficiently.
Gain access to a multidisciplinary creative team, consistency across all creative requests, streamlined communication and project management, and the ability to scale resources as needed for a fraction of the cost of recruiting, hiring, managing, and retaining an in-house team with our Creative-as-a-Service packages.
What should you look for when choosing a design and development agency?
There’s really no denying that having an integrated approach to both design and development will result in a better end result. By working with the same agency for both services, you can ensure that your design and development teams are working seamlessly together towards achieving your goals. But how do you pick the right partner?
1. Expertise
Ensure that the agency has expertise in both design and development and could execute on your vision. They should have skilled professionals in each area and a defined process that caters to both disciplines. Ask them to walk through previous projects to showcase their ability and process to see if it aligns with your expectations.
2. Collaboration
Look for an agency that fosters collaboration between their design and development teams. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for creating a cohesive end product that meets your goals and expectations.
3. Process
Ask about the agency’s process for managing design and development projects. They should have a structured approach that includes milestones, feedback loops, and clear timelines to keep the project on track.
4. Support and Maintenance
Inquire about the agency’s post-launch support and maintenance services. A reputable agency will offer ongoing support to address any issues and keep your website running smoothly after it’s launched.
So, what are the next steps?
Choosing a company that provides both design and development services is a strategic decision that brings forth numerous advantages. From improved communication and collaboration to consistent standards, cost savings, and a holistic problem-solving approach; the integration of these services enhances the overall success of projects. As businesses continue to grow in an increasingly digital world, the benefits of streamlining design and development within a single entity become increasingly evident.
Expedition takes an all-in-one approach. Our in-depth web design process shapes the outcome of not only how your website looks but also how it plays into your broader marketing strategy and goals. We start with understanding your brand’s identity and creative direction and the structure of your site’s content with information architecture. We don’t just meet with you once and start building a website. Your input and expertise of your business influence our design and development, from the start of mocking up designs all the way to going live.
Every great idea starts with a conversation — and we want to have it. Schedule a call today, and we’d be happy to see if our team is the right fit.
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How does integrated design and development improve project turnaround time?
By synchronizing the creative and technical aspects of a project, integrated services reduce the need for revisions and promote faster, more efficient workflows, thus improving turnaround times.
