7D Process™

Our methodology is a continuum with seven overlapping steps. We begin where you are:

Define
 The first step is to define success together. Very basic questions are asked: What needs to be understood? What makes your story unique? What will it take to get the job done? After investigating answers, our Project Team establishes deliverables, milestones, and a rough cost estimate. Once there is consensus, we provide a legal contract before getting started.
Discover
 Pre-existing communications materials are audited and discussed. Then, we clarify and prototype the audience(s): What are they looking for? What are their needs? What’s the right message? Does anything like this exist, and what can we learn from it? After looking at related programs and industries, and identifying strengths, challenges, and opportunities, we share our findings and recommendations in a simple report.
Distill
 By reviewing, analyzing, and discussing the research and our findings thus far, we assess the overall design development. Core marketing messages and brand positioning are authored, informing and guiding the subsequent steps.
Determine
 Several approaches are conceptualized, considering the story, content, hierarchy, takeaway, and action. As a team, we review and consider these approaches through the lens of our project objectives. During this phase, the best method of implementing the most appropriate design solution is determined.
Design
 One design is chosen following presentation and review of up to three conceptual directions, with some iteration. After approval, your artifacts are produced. This phase may include the following support services: project-specific or stock photography, illustration, copywriting, editing, color proofing, and whatever else is necessary.
Deliver
 Our quality assurance, attention to detail, and team of trusted vendor-partners ensure manufacturing, production, and delivery are as smooth as the rest of the process.
Debrief
 We check the pulse of our relationship to assess the investment and its results. We plan for Phase 2.