As the nights grow longer and the air turns chill, we at Zebedee gather around to share some spine-chilling tales from our web design adventures. Beware, for these agency horror stories are not for the faint-hearted!
The Creepy (Scope) Creep
Scope creep is the silent spectre that haunts every project. What starts as a simple task can quickly balloon into an unmanageable monster, devouring all resources and extending timelines far beyond the original plan.
The Weekend Curse
There’s nothing quite like receiving an urgent job or update request at 5 PM on a Friday. This dreaded timing often means sacrificing your weekend to meet the deadline, turning your plans for relaxation into a marathon of coding.
The Hosting Horror
Picture this: a high-profile client’s website goes down, and you’re on a plane setting off for your holidays. Thankfully, modern technology provides in-flight WiFi, allowing you to coordinate with your team on the ground to resolve the issue. But the stress of such moments is enough to make anyone’s hair stand on end!
Paranormal Code
Some code seems to have a life of its own, failing inexplicably and defying all attempts at debugging. This “paranormal code” can leave even the most seasoned developers scratching their heads in frustration.
Legacy Code and Easter Eggs
Imagine diving into a project only to find a labyrinth of legacy code, with hidden “easter eggs” left by previous developers. These unexpected surprises can turn a straightforward task into a nightmarish ordeal, consuming hours of precious time.
Faulty Software Fiasco
When third-party software fails, it can cause a website to lose synchronisation. This often means spending the weekend manually restoring order, a tedious and time-consuming process that no one looks forward to.
The Traffic Trap
Clients have been known to sometimes underreport their website traffic, leading to server crashes when the actual numbers hit. This lack of communication can cause significant disruptions and require immediate, intensive intervention!
Budget Battles
Not being given the proper budget to scope a project correctly is a common horror. We strive to be honest and transparent, but without the necessary resources, delivering a successful project becomes a daunting challenge.
The Rogue Team Member
Every team has its rogue member – whether it’s a designer who goes AWOL or a developer who simply doesn’t show up. Their absence can throw a wrench into the smooth operation of a project, causing delays and added stress.
The Wicked Paymaster
Some companies seem to look for any reason not to pay their bills! These “wicked” horrors can turn a successful project into a financial nightmare, draining resources and morale.
The Brief Brief
Receiving a one-paragraph brief for a project is a horror story in itself. Such vague instructions make it nearly impossible to deliver a satisfactory result, setting the stage for inevitable disappointment. And then there is the…
The Changed Brief
There’s nothing like putting your life and soul into a project only to have the brief changed halfway through! This one often is a result of…
The Stakeholder Phantom
When key stakeholders are not involved, projects can be abruptly pulled, leaving a trail of wasted effort and shattered expectations. This ghostly presence can haunt many a project from start to finish.
The Tender Process
The tender process is the horror of all horrors. The endless paperwork, the uncertainty, and the competition can make even the bravest agencies shudder.
The Ultimate Horror Project
SharePoint projects are the ultimate horror. The complexity and quirks of this platform can drive developers to the brink, making them wish for PTS support specifically for SharePoint survivors.
Lastly, the Email Error
Finally, there’s nothing quite like sending an email or a newsletter off with a glaring error or spelling mistake. The embarrassment and potential fallout from such a simple mistake can haunt you for years.
Don’t Let Your Project Turn Into a Horror Story!
At Zebedee, we know how to steer clear of the common pitfalls that can derail a web design project. Our team has years of experience managing every step of the process, from initial concept to final launch, ensuring that you get a website you’re proud of – without the nightmares.
Find out more about our what our web agency offers and how we can help you create a seamless, stress-free web experience.