How to avoid scope creep

We've all experienced it at some point - you start a project with one thing in mind, and it just keeps getting bigger and more expensive and time-consuming as more and more features are added on. When it comes to designing a web page, scope creep can do more than blow budgets and deadlines. It can ultimately ruin the concept with too much jazz and not enough clarity and functionality. However uncontrollable it may seem, there are some things you can do to help prevent that urge to 'add just one more thing.'

1. 
   Understand and communicate the scope of the project. Sometimes, scope creep happens because the project isn't outlined in specific detail. Vague descriptions can cause people to go beyond what is necessary and continue to add features until they run past the deadline. When working with your development and design team, you need to lay out the specifics and make sure they understand what you want. Be sure to check in on their progress frequently and talk to them at each step of the project. Listen and share your concerns - but be careful only to include valid concerns instead of wistful thinking.
   


2. 
   Make an ordered list of objectives and assign importance to each item. Once you've agreed on what to include in the project, you need to make a list describing each step and each goal that you want to accomplish. You need to decide how critical each aspect is to the overall completion of the project and make sure to focus additional time and resources to those items. This will keep you from getting caught up in the small, less significant details. As far as web design is concerned, aesthetics mean nothing if the framework and structure are neglected.
   


3. 
   Construct a schedule and leave room for the unexpected and errors. In the initial stages of development, you need to create a schedule that details when each part of the project should be completed. Give a little extra time beyond your prediction so developers can correct errors and other bumps in the road. There will be mistakes and there will be problems; nothing is ever launched without a hitch of some sort. But if you give yourself just enough room to fix errors without giving too much time to be tempted to add new items, then you should stay on task and complete your project on time.
   

Although you will inevitably encounter some degree of scope creep, if you stick with your objectives and plan, you should be able to keep it relatively under control. When developing your website, you can contact a web design and development company, such as Codank Web Design, to help you through the whole process of planning and developing.

About CODANK Web Design

CODANK is a top rated Web Design and Internet Marketing firm located in Charlotte, NC. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality, cost effective custom software development services, delivering a broad range of business consulting and outsourcing services.

For more information, visit us at www.codank.com