Challenge
Deliver a fully functional safeguarding product within three months, taking it from concept to production.
When the opportunity arose, our team at the agency was initially hesitant. The timeline was tight, the scope seemed ambitious, and the risks were significant. However, after thorough planning, the CEO and I outlined a detailed process and commitment plan that we believed could lead to success. We recognized the potential: landing a new client and building a foundation for a long-term partnership.
Student safeguarding
Goals
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Deliver the product on time while incorporating as much of the design process as possible within the constraints.
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Validate core functionalities with potential users to mitigate investment risks.
To achieve these goals, we needed to ensure the client’s leadership team was fully engaged throughout the project. Their active participation would allow us to explain each step of the process, ensuring alignment, transparency, and reducing risks. By balancing speed with thoughtful design, we aimed to deliver both quality and efficiency.
Process
We began with user story mapping sessions, collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including the client’s CEO, development leads, sales team, and other decision-makers. These sessions identified the essential user actions and clarified the primary objectives of the product.
From there, we developed user flows, outlining how users would complete core tasks. These flows became the blueprint for wireframes, which we used to map out the product’s structure and interactions.
We maintained momentum by adhering to set meeting schedules and securing quick approvals, enabling rapid progress through the design phases. After completing high-fidelity designs, we conducted validation sessions with potential users and customers. This ensured that the product met real-world needs before development began.
Outcomes
The safeguarding product was delivered on schedule, and the client successfully deployed a beta version with an initial customer. This early launch provided valuable feedback and allowed for ongoing refinement.
For our agency, the project proved to be a turning point. Our ability to deliver under such tight constraints impressed the client, resulting in an extended multi-year engagement. Over time, we iterated on the product, leveraging user and customer feedback to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and solidify the product’s value.