We Are Different
Maybe it's our candid nature and straightforwardness, or maybe it’s the process we have in place for project efficiency. Whatever the case may be, we know you'll appreciate our “tell it like it is” attitude. The last thing you need when dealing with any kind of creative agency is an account manager or project manager that keeps you in the dark or intentionally misleads you. This is why we’ve decided to publish our approach and process. These ‘9 Circles of Design’ –as we call them– guide each project from concept to completion. Each contain within them 5 virtual thought-stages (as described in “The Art of Thought” by Graham Wallas, circa 1926): Preparation, Incubation, Illumination, Confirmation, and Validation.
The list below is just one reason why we’re different:
- DEFINE THE REAL PROBLEM
Articulate a clear, actionable brief. Identify the real problem within the situation, not just the symptoms. Be as specific as possible, as this is the first step and will have the greatest impact on the work, more so than any other circle in the process. Team members contribute further clarity to actionable items.
- SET OBJECTIVES & DEFINE SUCCESS
Identify the current situation and establish where the customer wants to be. Create a roadmap with milestones and time/task-dependant plans to outline the flow and timeframe of the project. Identify resources needed, who is to be moved, and to do what? Setting clear metrics for success makes it more likely that you’ll achieve them.
- DISCOVER & RESEARCH
Situational immersion is the key concept in this circle and it is critical to success. The gathering and dissemination of all facets and subtle nuances of a particular topic or industry will lead to complete understanding and sparks of brilliance. Document the research; prepare the information for later refreshers during the Evaluation & Evolution circle.
- BRAINSTORM & PROTOTYPE
Innovation is the paradigm of success and the pinnacle for Devlos’ business model. Showcase and shout out relevant ideas to inspire the team to develop insights and ideas. There are no wrong answers when brainstorming, allow the key opinions to flow and grow into something tangible and producible. From the ideas brought forth, pick the best and build concepts and prototypes for analysis and review.
- ANALYZE & REVISE
Present the prototypes and creative directions to the customer, absorb the feedback and make any necessary changes. Familiarization and education of innovative approaches is key to further understanding and appreciation of the concepts set forth. Time spent reviewing, revising, revisiting will dramatically improve overall project performance and outcomes later on.
- MOBILIZE & DEVELOP
Production begins now, the dogs of war are let loose upon the world to create the most visually stunning user experiences possible. Time devoted to the finer details make the most impact, the never seen subtle nuances of each frame or each screen will create a sense of professional accomplishment that the customer can be proud
- TEST & RETEST
There is no second chance for a first impression, which is why when we go public with your project, it needs to work flawlessly the first time, every time. Testing is the key to this demand, and time spent on debugging and testing now will save the customer from costly negative exposure later on.
- TAKE IT PUBLIC
Prints are made, plans for distribution in place and all contingencies accounted for. All our efforts thus far lead to this moment in time, when the project and fruits of our labor are unveiled to the world. Packages are sent, web sites are launched, applications are installed, and campaigns are broadcasted. But our job is never finished.
- EVALUATE & EVOLVE
Nothing is ever perfect, to expect such is a plan for self-destruction. Mistakes are natural and they stand as the cornerstones of evolution. The entire project is broken down by circle, step and task. Our ‘post-mortem’ identifies all problems, symptoms and challenges, and identifies solutions for each. What is needed to evolve?
Our team is comprised of industry experts and professionals from all corners of the marketing, advertising, print, entertainment, health-care and non-profit arenas.
