IT Project Lifecycle: From Planning to Deployment

The IT Project Lifecycle is the step-by-step process used to manage an IT project—from the idea stage to delivering the final product (like a website, software, or mobile app).

📌 Main Stages of the IT Project Lifecycle

There are usually 5 to 7 key stages. Here's the most commonly used 6-step version:

1. 📋 Planning & Requirements Gathering

"What do we need to build?"

🔹 Activities:

• Meet with the client or stakeholders.

• Define the project goals and scope.

• List required features and functions.

• Create a timeline and budget.

🧠 Example:

You’re building an online shop. The planning team gathers info: how many products, what payment system, delivery methods, etc.

2. 📐 System Design (Architecture & UI/UX)

"How will it look and work?"

🔹 Activities:

• Design the system architecture (how different parts connect).

• Create UI/UX mockups (what the app/site will look like).

• Choose tools, platforms, and languages (e.g., React, Python, MySQL).

🧠 Example:

Designers make wireframes for the website and developers plan which technologies to use.

3. 🛠 Development (Coding the Project)

"Let’s build it!"

🔹 Activities:

• Frontend developers build the user interface.

• Backend developers write server-side code.

• Database developers set up storage.

⚙ Technologies:

• HTML/CSS/JS for websites

• Java, C#, Python, etc. for software

• SQL, NoSQL for databases

🧠 Example:

Developers create login systems, shopping cart functions, and product pages.

4. 🧪 Testing (QA - Quality Assurance)

"Does it work properly?"

🔹 Types of Testing:

• Unit Testing: Tests each piece of code.

• Integration Testing: Tests how modules work together.

• User Testing: Real people test the system for usability.

🧠 Example:

Testers check if payments work correctly and the site runs on phones.

5. 🚀 Deployment (Launching the Project)

"Go live!"

🔹 Activities:

• Upload the project to the production server (website hosting or app store).

• Set up monitoring tools.

• Train the users or staff if needed.

🧠 Example:

The online shop is now live and customers can start using it.

6. 🔄 Maintenance & Updates

"Keep it running and improving."

🔹 Activities:

• Fix bugs

• Add new features

• Update security

• Monitor performance

🧠 Example:

You add a discount system, fix a bug in the checkout page, or update for iOS compatibility.

🔁 Summary Diagram

1. Planning → 2. Design → 3. Development → 4. Testing → 5. Deployment → 6. Maintenance

Each phase feeds into the next. Sometimes you may loop back (like fixing a bug after deployment).

🧠 Real Example: Mobile Banking App

✅ Final Thoughts

The IT Project Lifecycle helps manage time, quality, and budget. Every successful app, website, or system follows these steps in some form.