---
title: "How we work – the Sweet Lava design process"
description: "Sweet Lava's process for websites and digital products: discovery, workshop, design, development, QA and support. Stages, durations and collaboration models."
url: https://sweetlava.eu/en/how-we-work/
lang: en
alternate_pl: https://sweetlava.eu/pl/jak-pracujemy/
---

How we work

# How we work

You always know what stage the project is at, what has been delivered and what happens next. No black boxes.

## The process, step by step

1. 01  
### Discovery  
We get to know your business, customers and goals. We analyse existing materials, competitors and data. This phase produces a shared understanding of the problem and a concrete quote.  
 3–5 days
2. 02  
### Workshop and architecture  
In the workshop we set scope, priorities and structure: information architecture, key flows, the feature list. For products, also hypotheses and MVP scope.  
 1–2 weeks
3. 03  
### Design  
From wireframes to the final interface with a design system. We design with real content, test prototypes with users, refine typography and micro-interactions.  
 2–4 weeks
4. 04  
### Development  
We build in iterations: every two weeks you see working progress on a staging environment. Clean, secure code with performance and accessibility from the first commit.  
 3–8 weeks
5. 05  
### QA and launch  
Functional, performance and accessibility testing, SEO and analytics configuration, content migration, redirects. A launch without surprises, with a rollback plan.  
 1 week
6. 06  
### Support and growth  
After launch we monitor, update and grow the product based on data. A flexible monthly plan: from basic care to continuous development.  
 ongoing

## Collaboration models

- ### Fixed-scope project  
Best for: websites, identities and clearly defined implementations  
Agreed scope, schedule and budget. Payments in stages upon each acceptance.
- ### Time & material  
Best for: iteratively developed products where scope evolves with user knowledge  
Billing for actual working time – you pay for the hours genuinely spent.
- ### Support retainer  
Best for: maintenance and growth after launch  
Ongoing monthly care: monitoring, updates, backups, an hours package for changes. Predictable cost, zero surprises.

## Who you will work with

Directly with the four of us. The people you agree details with are the same people who design and build your product.

## Have an idea in mind? Let's talk.

Tell us about your idea and we'll recommend the best route from concept to a working product.

[ Get in touch ](https://sweetlava.eu/en/contact/)