How can we help you?
Whether you are a business in need of an application to support your operation, need help navigating the software development minefield or have a great new idea for an application, we're here to provide design services, advice and guidance. Whatever your circumstances, if you need software, chances are we can help.
If you wanted to build your own home, you would first employ an architect to help you. The architect's job is to understand your requirements, translate them into a beautiful and precise design, then work alongside your chosen builders to see it come to life. Building new software follows the same process and, in May Stanley, you have found your architectect.
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Software development process
The process we adopt is unique to each project because each has a different objective, personality and people. That said, the following are all typical aspects of any project we work on:
Justify it.
Of course it would be easy for us to say "yeah, let's build it!", but investing in new software isn't always the answer. It might sound odd, but we start by trying to find reasons not to build applications.
We only embark on projects if we can see the value an application will bring, because we want our clients to recognise a real return on investment. Otherwise, you get frustrated and waste money; we get bored and waste time, everyone gets mad and nobody benefits.
So, the first job is to spend time with you qualifying whether it is sensible to continue with the project, or if there are alternatives that might result in a better outcome.
We care what you think. Reputation is everything to us. So, we would rather turn projects down than take your money and leave you frustrated.
Design it.
Once we've justified building it, the next step is to schedule a date for us to begin. We come to work at your premises and begin mapping out the processes and people that the system will support. We do this, together, in our own unique way.
Once we know who will use it and why, together we begin building a working model of the application. This demonstrates what users will see and how they can interact with the new software. This is then published online, so you and your people can play with it and visualise the end product. This avoids endless meetings, guessing what's needed and huge, boring documents.
During this process, you simply pay for our time as we go, and you own the work we produce. There's no minimum commitment required. If you want to stop at any time, just say the word.
Build it.
We've designed all or part of the application and everyone involved is happy with how it looks. The next step is to build the real thing.
Now we know exactly what you want, it is much easier to gain genuinely comparable quotes from software development companies. They can see the precise requirements which, in turn, reduces the risk of assumptions, misunderstandings and omissions.
Our involvement doesn't have to end here. We are also happy to help you select the most appropriate software development companies to approach and assess their quotes to determine the best value.
We can even act as project liaison, utilising our experience to ensure the selected development company follows through on their assurances.
Launch it.
We are big fans of getting software 'out there' as soon as possible. Much of the time, this means splitting the overall requirement into smaller projects then following the design - build - test - launch process in miniature.
There are many benefits to this 'agile' approach. Ultimately, there's no substitute for feedback from actual users who will soon tell you if something isn't right.
Some companies prefer a 'big bang' approach, where you design everything build everything, test it all then launch. Even if you feel that all the functions required in your system are needed from Day 1, we'll explain why a phased approach will help you realise benefits sooner and avoid common pitfalls, when we speak.
Look after it.
Your system's launch is not where the process ends. You wouldn't spend thousands buying a new car, then never clean or service it, would you?
Software is an evolving, living thing. It needs to adapt as your business needs change. We build long term relationships, which means we'll be with you at the beginning and long into the future to make sure your software is always fit for purpose.
Being independent from the development company, we're firmly on your side and always looking out for your, and your software's best interests.
View the benefits of our service.
The benefit of using May Stanley
Here are some of the benefits you can expect by entrusting us with your software project:
- Flexibility | no contracts required; you just pay as you go.
- Ownership | anything we produce, you own.
- Speed | no massive lead times before your project gets underway.
- Visibility | replace the burden of long, boring technical documents with a bright, engaging and interactive model of your ideal system.
- Cost | we are excellent value for money at £450 + VAT per day.
- Choice | once we're done, you have the option to select the most appropriate development company to build it, rather than entering into a long term commitment before you're even sure what you want.
- Us | we don't want to blow our own trumpet, but we know software, are passionate, experienced and creative. You won't be disappointed.
There are many more, but we don't want to overdo it. Instead, we'd prefer to show you some examples.
Examples of our work
We would be delighted to demonstrate some examples of our work, so you can get as excited by the possibilities as we are!
We could just place links on this page and let you view examples yourself, but we want to explain how it all works; something you'll need to know in order to make an informed decision.
To arrange a time for a demonstration, provided online or in person, please get in touch.
We have a lot to say about the creation of software, but we take more pride in our ability and desire to simply listen.
Our team is here to work by your side at any stage of a project to provide professional advice and guidance on any aspect of the software development process. It can be pretty daunting if you aren't familiar with the aspects of building software.
We remove the anxiety and risk by becoming part of your team. We can help with selecting the right third-party companies for your needs; sifting through the sales speak and ensure you're getting the most appropriate solution
In addition to advising on software development, we can also help you explore commericalising your software - attracting additional revenue through the licensing of your software to others. This can result in your software application becoming self-funding and profit generating.
We are available to work on a retainer or ad-hoc basis at our standard hourly or daily rate to suit your needs.
If you're reading this page, it stands to reason that you're looking for some help, and wondering if we're the right people to provide it. The simplest way to find out is to get in touch and tell us what you're up to
Lots of us have ideas, but sadly, many of us don't pursue them due to fear, financial constraints, or uncertainty about how to take them forward.
Fortunately, if you're reading this, you're in the right place. We love ideas and helping them flourish. Of course money is important, but we don't think that should be the only driving factor. We prefer to be driven by passion, personality and ideas, and to help others realise their potential, ambitions and visions.
We dedicate a portion of our time to work with those that have ideas but lack software development experience or the funds typically required by conventional software companies. If we believe the idea is a winner, we'll work together to see it happen by investing our time and providing the expertise you need. If we don't, then we'll tell you and save everyone a lot of time and money!
Don't be afraid to get in touch and start a new adventure.
As well as helping our clients to create the ideal software for their specific needs, we also explore our own ideas and look to build our own suite of in-house products. We also help other developers promote and commercialise their software.
We are always trying to identify areas in life that would benefit from a simple-to-use software solution. As software designers, it's not just about the money, but the accomplishment of making someone's life better.
We're currently working on a few ideas that we hope to bring to market during 2013. They'll certainly make for interesting social experiments and really help people manage their day-to-day data management needs.
So, watch this space! Well, more likely our blog section…
If you have an idea that you feel could add real value to people, why not get in touch and let's see if we can bring it to life?