Starting something new, no matter the scope, is always a risk, and we often look for ways to mitigate the risk. One approach that helps is planning or, if you will, going for a corner piece of a puzzle. When you have a prioritized list of features, design samples, basic architecture mapped out, the new you’d like to start is no longer as risky as it seems at the beginning.
What’s a Discovery Phase?
The Discovery Phase is an initial and crucial stage in software project development that involves gathering information, understanding project requirements, and assessing project feasibility combined with determining the time, effort, and resources required for successful project completion.
The Discovery Phase is carried out as a series of scoping sessions where we iteratively analyze the requirements of your project, define its goals, and plan its execution.
What do we do during the Discovery Phase?
The Discovery Phase agenda, deliverables, and timeline greatly depend on the outcomes you want to achieve. However, the shortlist of the steps usually looks like this:
- Project scoping and requirements gathering
- UI/UX wireframing
- Requirements analysis and research by the tech team
- Estimation
Let’s focus on each item on the list.
Project scoping and requirements gathering
Project scoping involves determining the specific goals, objectives, tasks, features, and functionalities that will be included in the project. Scoping is executed as a series of interviews and brainstorming sessions with you and the people on your team who know your project best – subject-matter experts – to elicit and document detailed project requirements.
Project scoping is crucial to:
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estimate the time and effort required for the project implementation;
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establish a clear understanding of what will be accomplished within the project’s timeframe and resources.
UI/UX wireframing
In this stage, we create conceptual designs and mockups to visualize the proposed user interface and overall system structure. We develop wireframes, prototypes, and storyboards to illustrate the intended functionality and gather feedback from you and your subject-matter experts, allowing for iterative improvements.
Requirements analysis and research by the tech team
During this stage, we work with you to conduct extensive research and analysis in order to assess the technical feasibility of your project and the potential risks associated with its implementation.
Requirements analysis is important for:
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planning the project infrastructure and identifying potential technical challenges;
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assessing the risks which will provide grounds for more accurate estimations by accounting for mitigation measures, contingencies, and potential delays.
The outcomes of this stage impact estimations by identifying potential complexities, dependencies, and integration efforts.
Estimation
Based on the gathered information, requirements, analysis, and design artifacts, the project team can estimate the time and effort needed to complete your project. The estimation will consider factors like complexity, dependencies, skill requirements, and potential risks.
Various estimation techniques, such as expert judgment, historical data, or function points analysis, can be employed on demand.
How will you benefit from the Discovery Phase?
Throughout the Discovery phase, our team will document all the gathered information, such as requirements, analysis, design artifacts, and project estimations. This documentation will serve as a reference for the development team and as a baseline for tracking progress, managing expectations, and adjusting estimates as the project progresses.
What are the next steps after the Discovery Phase?
Upon completion of the Discovery phase, you will have everything you need to initiate the project:
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a technical solution and architecture plan required to meet your project’s needs;
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a detailed project budget breakdown and timelines;
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UI/UX wireframes outlining the specific interactions and workflows users will perform.
However, the Discovery phase is a time-limited, stand-alone stage. It sets the foundation, but it’s up to you to decide if you want to continue with project implementation, or if you’d step back to improve the project idea before bringing it to life.
Summary
The Discovery phase is a critical step in software project management as it provides a foundation for planning, estimating, and executing the project effectively. It also helps in setting and managing project expectations by considering realistic timelines, resource allocation, and potential risks.
Stay tuned and stay safe.
Yours truly,
CX Friend