Our Process & Sustainability
Our Process
Specify
DOT • STUDIO’s approach begins with meticulous planning and a deep dive into understanding project goals and user needs. Through feasibility and specification workshops, we outline technical requirements and user needs and flows. We make sure to get the correct expertise in the room.
Prototype
We believe in starting with prototypes and proofs of concept to validate ideas early and ensure the right tools are chosen for each unique job. By identifying the difficult parts of the problem, and solving those first, we can offer better estimates and expect realistic results. Project management is structured with tickets, milestones, and transparent communication to keep everything on track. Once the project’s path forward becomes clear, then we begin programming.
Build It (Right)
Clients have direct contact with developers for fast feedback — we stay engaged to maintain momentum. We prioritize clear, human-centered communication, leveraging our network’s extensive experience and a broad skill set across programming languages and database technologies. Throughout, we collaborate with designers and UX experts, creating systems that are not only functional but adaptable to future needs. We are proud of the work we do.
Read more about what we can do
Sustainability
Under Promise, Over Deliver
Our business and products are built on sustainable practices—environmentally, economically, and socially. We prioritize long-term partnerships, ethical practices, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance for our team. This ensures realistic expectations and consistent delivery. We prioritize asynchronous communication and thorough documentation, which promotes transparency and enables projects to easily resume work after breaks.
Write Once, Run Forever
Technically, we design for efficiency, and promote simplicity. Using pre-rendering, caching, and distributing workloads to optimize performance. We build systems with longevity in mind, following functional programming principles and designing adaptable solutions rather than one-off fixes or half finished features. When possible, we use static sites to minimize server loads, scale server capacity to meet demand, and write efficient code, avoiding the tendency to rely on excess resources. Our commitment to simplicity and sustainability ensures that our products are built to last.
Impact
We prioritize partnering with nonprofits and green companies focused on human rights, environmental sustainability, and social good. By supporting organizations that work to end conflict, protect human rights, and reduce environmental impact, we align our work with values of ethical practice and positive change. We believe technology can amplify these efforts, and we focus on projects that help build a more equitable, sustainable, and peaceful world.
Read our case studies