I'm an expert information architect that has created many sets of sitemaps and wireframes for websites, as well as content plans & copy decks for websites, etc.
I work either with ad agency/marketing teams to interface with the client, or directly with the end client. I gather information from the agency or client (i.e., business requirements, user requirements, technical requirements, brand requirements, sales funnel requirements, competitive insights, etc. and then I create various versions of the diagram types mentioned above. I fully understand the importance of making sure that the sitemap/wireframe diagrams that I create are reviewed and understood by the account teams, design teams, developer teams, and client teams. The wireframes that I create help (1) capture and define the overall content, navigation, user-experience strategy, (2) define and lock in features and functionality that relates to scope/deliverables/budget, etc. (3) get buy-in and approvals from all parties (client, agency, designers, developers, etc.), and (4) allow many aspects of the project to be solved/defined/approved in the wireframe stage in stead of later on in the more costly design & development phases.
My ideal process:
1. Gather information/discovery
2. Define my deliverables
3. Create high-level documents first (like sitemap or content outline). Circulate/share to get buy-in.
4. Create lower-level documents next (like wireframes, full copy deck, etc.). Circulate/share to get buy-in.
5. Work closely with client/agency team to fine-tune my documents and work to finalize my deliverables.
6. Work closely with agency designers and developers to ensure that they're understanding my documentation as well as the client/agency requirements specified in the documents.
7. After design/development have started, I monitor and assist/participate in verifying that things are moving along according to plan. Or, in many cases, the account team or primary client contact will use my documentation to lead the design/development teams and I will simply consult from my position in the background.
Work Terms
I am self employed and can control my schedule. I can easily commit to a project during my regular daytime hours. I can also work evenings/weekends on projects if necessary.
I prefer to be paid 50/50. 50% up front and 50% upon completion of my deliverables.
My ideal form of communication would be phone, email, basecamp, IM, or other portal platform that's being used by the agency or client team that I'm working for.
I use Microsoft Visio to create my diagrams. I find that this tool is more common among my end clients in case they care to open up any of my files later on. I export my diagrams to PDF so that they can be easily shared and printed out.
My other documents are typically created using Microsoft tools like Word or Excel so that my files/deliverables are more likely to be compatible with my client's computer.
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