Production Processes - stuart neil - DFIM

Marc Healy - DFIM

BBC Wales - Cardiff
Interview with Gavin Johnson – Head of web development sector in BBC Wales

An interview was conducted using an official from the BBC to talk about how the web development department is run in regards to projects.

The way in which the BBC structures their web development department is complex but linear in development, there are strict guidelines that are mandatory before a project can be put live onto the Internet. These strict guidelines create a stronger flowing environment, as there is only one way of doing things. This linear Design of project management is not there for the staff to follow like a rule as such it is set by the BBC so that all content must meet the criteria so it can be eligible and accessible for everyone viewing it. This means that for instance typeface must be readable and the font itself must be able to increase so that visually impaired individuals may read it with ease. Another example of the guidelines would be that all audio and video content be a universal format to be viewed on any computer using any kind of video and audio software such as windows media player or QuickTime. These are but a few of the strict guidelines the BBC has to follow.
Production of a project is broken down into two main sections this being Text based and video/audio content. With this, the team is broken down into groups who specialise in one of these aspects of media and is left to their own devices in accordance to the guidelines of the BBC and the projects brief. The team are then carefully watched and mentored by Gavin to insure that the project is on course.
This method of production is called the Content Production System or (CPS). In finer detail this incorporates individuals from each section conducting research, taking photos, gathering information, Designing templates, structuring the content, formatting the audio and video etc.

In regards to testing a projects development the BBC Web Development department will conduct user testing of two varied types depending on the scale of the project. For most projects the BBC do simple discounted user testing with around 5 to 10 actual employees to test the product or game or web template and the results are then analysed and put into action by the team by editing problems or issues that need further addressing. For large projects an outside company name REDBY who are a professional external user testing company that are familiar with the BBC’s guideline regulations, As this is expensive to conduct for long periods it is only essential for large scale projects that may need external testers in regards to disabled or impaired users or children etc.
The BBC sometimes get client based projects but only with subjects like education or healthcare as these are applicable to the bbc and have no commercial value. As the BBC don’t compete commercially there is no real need for client-based work. Although if they have a project assigned that may need extra help in regards to games, animations, etc the BBC have an approved supplier list of designers and companies that will help them if needed. But this is rare because of cost and because of the strict criteria that must be followed. Small design companies only invest there time into the BBC if it is worthwhile in the long run,
When the BBC has a client with a new project proposal there is a long discussion about the overall expectations of the project. It is then checked over to see if in fact it is feasable in regards to time, available resources, software and cost. This then negotiates the scope of the project to be further increased/Decreased after it has been further analyzed. To avoid future problems with projects in regards to lack of new software or training or inexperienced personnel, a Training budget is issued so that revolutionary software can be purchased and taught. This enables the BBC to keep up to date with what’s fresh and innovative in today’s fast flowing media world. The BBC have a vast credibility which refuses to be tarnished by new technologies so it keeps up to date with this technology to keep the industry standard, without any loss of credibility what so ever. This is all done through London (new Media Group) or (LMNG) They see what is the industry and implement it into the BBC like Flash 8 for example, then flash 8 is brought into the training budget and the designers begin learning the software and update there production methods.

Maintannce of projects is the job of Gavin and the other stakeholders; their job consists of getting together every week to discuss potential flaws, developments, achievements etc. They then make sure everyone is working together and on track to achieve new tasks by the next meeting. Also every September new flurries of programs come out so they have to negotiate what programs are of most importance and which ones are possible before taking them on for projects.

Overall this interview has illustrated the fine details that the BBC’s web development department use on every project assigned this way everything is handled in a flowing sophisticated and structured manner without any short cuts that result in failure further down the line. Everything is critical and it is this technicality that has made the BBC who they are in the industry today. I have found this information priceless when understanding project management and project structure and development.







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