REDEFINING OUR DIGITAL IDENTITY
In 2026 we decided to begin reshaping our digital identity, to provide a more professional interface for assisting the online community in getting in touch with us more easily. We looked internally and realised that one of our own workers could help us reshape the way we look, so we tasked them with the development of our brand new website.
At the start of this development the Big Bang model was the chosen Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) process used. The big bang is an unfiltered approach to software development, often serving as the primary engine for rapid prototyping. Within the context of the S&L Construction Group, this model was utilised towards the initial objective, which was to produce a “Proof of Concept” (PoC) in the shortest possible timeframe. The big bang bypasses the traditional phases of requirements gathering and architectural design, it allows a developer to dive straight into execution, turning a raw concept into a tangible, clickable model within days rather than months.
THE SWITCH TO MIXED METHODS: HYBRID SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
The switch to mixed methods came through the realisation that we had a positive result towards a viable and tangible proof of concept web application. This was based on the findings of rapid prototyping so it was further decided to use a more structured methodological approach, so we adopted the Waterfall model into our SDLC strategy. A waterfall model is a linear, sequential process where each phase must be 100% completed before the next one begins. In order to help visualise the new development approach, you may find the image below useful.
Combining the Big Bang and Waterfall models created a hybrid approach that balanced raw creative innovation with structured execution. While they are traditionally opposites, this combination is increasingly used for projects that require both a flexible start but with a predictable finish. To put this another way, the hybrid workflow had an explosive start then a structured finish. The model begins with prototype building whereby web applications were built and given functionality, these were then evaluated and refined against requirements. Designed were adjusted then implemented. Testing was conducted by non-stakeholders before release/maintenance.
For S&L this hybrid approach facilitated the swift development of web applications (proof of concept) ending the experimental phase of the big bang, so that a more rigid process (waterfall) could be used for information gathering. This guided the design or shaping of the site for a more tailored and bespoke implementation.
