The Loft by DB

Services

Seven services, one standard.

Each engagement is shaped to the problem. The descriptions below outline typical needs, scope and deliverables; the details are always agreed with you.

A loft studio workspace with laptops and a copper desk lamp

01

Custom software development

Software built specifically for your processes, data and users when existing products do not fit.

A developer typing code at a desk in a warmly lit studio

Typical needs

  • Manual processes that consume team time
  • Off-the-shelf tools that require too many workarounds
  • Business rules that are unique to your organisation

Scope

  • Requirements analysis
  • Architecture and data modelling
  • Back-end and front-end development

Deliverables

  • Working application
  • Source code and repository access
  • Technical documentation

02

Web application development

Browser-based applications, portals and platforms that work across devices.

Typical needs

  • Launching a new online product
  • Customer or partner portals
  • Replacing an outdated web system

Scope

  • Responsive interface development
  • Authentication and user roles
  • Performance and accessibility work

Deliverables

  • Deployed web application
  • Responsive layouts for desktop, tablet and mobile
  • Deployment notes

03

UI/UX and product design

Research, structure and visual design that make products easier to understand and use.

Paper wireframes and a tablet showing an interface layout on a desk

Typical needs

  • Users struggle to complete key tasks
  • A new product needs a clear interface
  • Inconsistent design across screens

Scope

  • User flows and information architecture
  • Wireframes and interactive prototypes
  • Visual design and design systems

Deliverables

  • Prototypes
  • Design files and component specifications
  • Design system documentation

04

Cloud solutions

Planning, setting up and operating cloud infrastructure for applications and data.

A server corridor illuminated by warm copper light

Typical needs

  • Moving from on-premise servers
  • Unreliable or manual deployments
  • Limited visibility into system health

Scope

  • Environment and infrastructure setup
  • Continuous integration and deployment
  • Monitoring, logging and backups

Deliverables

  • Configured cloud environments
  • Automated deployment pipeline
  • Operations runbook

05

API development and integrations

Interfaces and connectors that let your systems and third-party services exchange data reliably.

Typical needs

  • Data duplicated by hand between tools
  • Opening a product to partners
  • Connecting payment, CRM or analytics services

Scope

  • API design and implementation
  • Third-party service integration
  • Data synchronisation and error handling

Deliverables

  • Documented API
  • Integration services
  • Test suites for key data flows

06

Quality assurance and testing

Structured testing that finds problems before your users do.

Close-up of copper circuitry on a dark board

Typical needs

  • Regressions after each release
  • No automated test coverage
  • Uncertainty before a major launch

Scope

  • Test strategy and planning
  • Automated unit, integration and end-to-end tests
  • Manual and accessibility testing

Deliverables

  • Test plan
  • Automated test suites
  • Issue reports with reproduction steps

07

Technical maintenance and support

Ongoing care for existing software so it stays secure, current and dependable.

Typical needs

  • Outdated dependencies and security updates
  • No in-house team to look after a system
  • Small improvements that keep accumulating

Scope

  • Dependency and security updates
  • Bug fixing and monitoring
  • Incremental improvements

Deliverables

  • Regular maintenance updates
  • Change log
  • Recommendations for future work

Collaboration process

From first message to ongoing care.

  1. STEP 1

    Initial conversation

  2. STEP 2

    Written proposal and scope

  3. STEP 3

    Iterative delivery with reviews

  4. STEP 4

    Testing and release

  5. STEP 5

    Handover and optional support