Let’s face it! When it comes to kicking off a software development project, bypassing the discovery and planning phase is like constructing a skyscraper intuitively without a robust architectural plan. Many software development agencies out there jump headfirst into a project with zero foresight or no consideration of the requirements and deliverables.

Of course, we cannot blame them directly. The inexperience in running the discovery process, lack of resources, pressure to deliver the software product within a short span of time, and changing requirements are some of the reasons why agencies do without the discovery phase.

Running the discovery and planning phase is not just integral to a software development company but also to the client, as it gives him the opportunity to brainstorm with an experienced Business Analyst and solidify his project requirement. This, in turn, reduces cost and improves the chances of successful product development.

In this blog, we will discuss why it is preferable to leave this phase to Reeshatech. As an enterprise software consulting company, with more than 12 years experience in performing project discovery, we have a rich portfolio showcasing complex software product development.

But first, let’s delve into the different stages of the software development life cycle (SDLC).

What are the Various Stages of Software Development Life Cycle

Software development is a long, drawn-out process with numerous steps, involving the Discovery, Analysis, Design, Development, Testing, and Maintenance phases.

Of course, depending on your project-specific requirement, some of the stages stated above may change. You must work closely together with your software development partner to create a thorough product development plan after the product discovery phase. It will set the tone for the rest of the software development lifecycle.

The following diagram shows the important phases that a software project typically goes through after the discovery phase is completed and what function it serves.

What is the Discovery Phase?

The discovery phase, sometimes called the scoping phase, is an initial step in the software product development process wherein the primary goal is to have a clear idea about the end user and also determine the project scope and objectives, identifying the associated risks.

#Discovery and Planning Phase

This software development stage involves extensive planning, investigation, information gathering, and analysis by the senior members of the discovery team. The viability, practicability, and usability of the product concept are evaluated at this stage.

Who are Involved in the Discovery and Planning Phase at Reeshatech

Why is the Discovery and Planning Phase Important in Software Development?

The discovery and planning phase of the software development process helps in

• Establishing business goals and creating a compelling product vision
• Visualizing and building a high-level product architecture
• Minimizing rework, thus reducing wastage of development time and costs
• Better identifying potential risks
• Creating a clear product roadmap with timelines

Discovery Process Goals

The objective of the Project Discovery & Planning Phase/ Sub Process is to make sure that the dev team understands the project well enough before starting the detailed analysis and screen designs. At Reeshatech, our objective at this phase is to understand the project from a relatively high level and validate all the information the dev team has got so far.

• Clear Project Understanding
• Brainstorming ideas both internally and with the client
• High-level Breakdown of the Features and Functionality
• Validate the Project Estimations in terms of efforts and finance done so far

How does Reeshatech run the Discovery Phase?

At Reeshatech, we follow an agile approach to software product development. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how our discovery process works:

Stage 1: Identification of Stakeholders and Creating the Discovery Team

Members of the discovery team have a range of interests and expertise. The kind of project and experience they bring to the table determines whether they are included in the team. The first stage is to interview stakeholders.

The project manager’s role is to discuss with the client the specifics of the project and then sit down with the discovery team to make sure all of their questions are addressed. He ensures that roles are clearly defined and that everyone is on the same page.

This establishes the project’s tone and guarantees that everyone is aware of their responsibilities from the discovery phase of the project.

Stage 2: Gathering Functional and Non-functional Requirements

We take the time to process all of our clients’ requirements after having a brainstorming session with the stakeholders. After gathering all the information, we create a high-level PRD (product requirement document) reflecting all the technical specifications for the future software product.

A typical PRD lists out the product description, product goals, competitors research, target audience, scope of work, roles description, functional and non-functional requirements, technical architecture, and risks involved. This makes things clearer to us and aids in our analysis of the requirements needed to effectively execute the project.

#Sample User Persona

Using the requirements, we can plan the resources that will be needed, the anticipated time frame, and the prices. Our team at Reeshatech makes sure that we never start a project without thoroughly gathering our clients’ requirements.

Stage 3: Competitor Research and Analysis

We do this by conducting market research and examining similar software products developed in the industry to establish project expectations and establish standards.

Competitor analysis is focused on other software agencies that operate in the same market. Finding out the level of quality that our competitors uphold and the types of software products they produce is crucial during this stage of the discovery phase.

This stage also helps us understand pricing variations and enables us to set a competitive rate for clients.

Also, we can discover areas for improvement that your rivals are missing through competitive research.

Stage 4: Empathy Mapping

We use empathy mapping to visualize user attitudes and actions, helping UX teams in developing a thorough understanding of end users.

The mapping procedure also identifies any gaps in the user data that exist. Empathy mapping works best when utilized early in the design process in user-centered design.

Stage 5: Low-Fidelity Wireframing and Mind Mapping

At this stage, we use quick, low-cost techniques to produce early variants of a product or design. Before committing to a more intricate and polished design, these rough and basic wireframes are used to test and assess concepts.

It considers user requirements and user journeys. Our UI/UX design team now focuses on the product’s usability, the optimal navigation method, and creative design.

Stage 6: Capturing Requirements through Epic Mapping (SWOT Analysis)

Our Agile team decides what to build and keep visible using epic maps. A user-centered conversation, teamwork, and feature prioritization are made possible by an epic map, which aligns and directs iterative product development.

#Epic Mapping for a Sample Project

Since all epics and their progress are found in one location, it offers us a better understanding of what has been accomplished and what is still pending. Our goal is to divide work into manageable deliverables so that big projects are finished really quickly and that we can consistently deliver value.

Stage 7: Feedback from the Client and Approval

Getting customer feedback and approval all comes down to matching your work up with their vision and expectations. This implies that client approval can occur at various project stages and for various reasons. Customer approval and feedback assist us in

• Ensuring that we adhere to brand guidelines
• Addressing the client’s issues effectively with our solution
• Assisting a client in achieving the specified objectives

List of Deliverables to Clients after the Discovery Phase

Here we have a list of all the external deliverables of the project and/or service. However, critical internal deliverables can also be included in this section.

When do we Need the Discovery and Planning Phase – Possible Use Cases

1. Rebuilding a legacy system

Reviewing the old code in this case and using other methods of discovery help define the scope of the transformation and understand the system’s existing condition, strengths, and weaknesses. Domain experts offer suggestions for enhancement, identify potential bottlenecks, and provide the most practical solutions. Critical decision-making by the project team, the company’s higher management, marketers, and others help facilitate a clearly-defined scope of work.

2. Developing a complex and innovative software

Our team of experts offer the necessary consultations, research, and support for cutting-edge software development if the desired solution integrates distinctive combinations of third-party APIs, software libraries, or other cutting-edge or complex technology.

3. Vague or evolving software development

Clients sometimes have a fantastic high-level business idea but are unsure of how to effectively meet the needs of the end users. The discovery phase enables future product planning from the user’s point of view, ensuring user retention, and loyalty in the long run.

4. Project requiring Proof of Concept

Proof of concept is evidence that the solution we provide can be used and be successful from a business standpoint. A PoC will assist in determining whether the solution is practical if it makes use of cutting-edge tools or APIs that have never been applied in this way.

Instead of spending time and money on a possibly unsuccessful product, the discovery stage’s research of the business case, the competition, and the target market enable the quick invention of solutions based on market demand.

5. Limited budget

Experienced professionals in our team assist in defining the product’s fundamental architecture and functionality throughout the project discovery phase, eliminating any unnecessary elements. After assessing the cost of the product development or extension, they can make recommendations for methods to cut total costs and issue warnings about potential hazards and hidden costs that could result in budget overruns.

Tools Used by Reeshatech for the Discovery and Planning Phase

• Confluence: It is a tool for collaborating and organizing work. It helps us in saving time for our development team during agile sprint planning and refinement. 
• Jira: The project management tool helps our team to focus on the requirements of the client, establish team goals, and transition from product ideation to delivery smoothly.
• Invision: It is an online development platform used by our design and development team to develop high-fidelity wireframes.
• Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet: It is a powerful project management tool that helps our team to produce charts, alter timelines, and figure out estimates based on sprints for the later stages.
• Draw.io: It is a tool used for creating and editing architecture diagrams. It offers many predefined shapes and features that help in making process diagrams, flowcharts, UML, and ER diagrams.
• Figma: The interface designing tool is used by our design team for creating low and high-fidelity prototypes.
• Axure RP: We use this software design tool to create diagrams, specifications, and functional wireframes.
• Microsoft Teams: We use this communication tool to connect with our colleagues and team members who are working on a specific project.
• Slack: It is an easy-to-use communication platform that helps us seamlessly collaborate with participants within and outside Reeshatech. It keeps stakeholders updated on the small pieces of work (sprints) that have been completed or are pending.
• Zoom: The video communication tool is used by our professionals to conduct client meetings and manage cross-functional teams.

Ending Thoughts

Undoubtedly, one of the most crucial phases of any software development project is the discovery and planning phase. It has a direct impact on how your product will function, how it will appear, and how it will help your organization achieve its goals.

The post Unlocking the Secrets of Discovery and Planning Phase in Software Development – How Reeshatech Ensures Success of All Projects appeared first on Reeshatech.

Those who work closely in the field of custom software development services may already know the terms we’re talking about. Verification and validation are two commonly followed software performance testing processes for determining whether a solution meets its expectations. Both are cardinally important for the success of the software development lifecycle.

In this blog, we’ll understand the meaning, significance, and other key fundamentals of verification vs. validation testing in custom software development. We’ll also explore scenarios where each methodology is an ideal fit and can make a lasting difference.

So, let’s dive right in.

What are Verification and Validation in Software Testing?

The software testing pyramid encompasses various methods and techniques used throughout the software development lifecycle to ensure quality, functionality, and performance.

These types include:

• Unit testing
• Integration testing
• System testing
• Acceptance testing
• Functional testing 
• Regression testing, among more.

This image showcases the Software Testing Life Cycle phases as followed by Reeshatech.

Each type serves a distinct purpose, from verifying individual components to validating the entire system’s functionality. Verification and validation testing fall under the broader category of functional testing in software testing. However, they serve different purposes. 

Verification Testing involves gauging and improving the quality from the perspective of developers, whereas validation testing evaluates a software product or platform from the perspective of end users. In other words, verification testing ensures that a software solution is built in harmony with the design documents, standards, and specifications. On the other hand, validation testing involves running a software through real-world scenarios, ensuring it meets the requirements of the target audience.

Both of these software testing methods emphasize a thorough scrutiny of a solution’s behavior and properties when put in certain environments. Any potential defects or discrepancies, if found, are tackled immediately to make sure the end outcome is fully compliant and market-ready.

What is Verification Testing?

Exploring its role, significance, and methodology

Verification Testing, being an integral part of software functional testing, verifies whether a software product fulfills the objectives behind its creation and is devoid of defects or bugs. Verification involves end-to-end software testing, examining every predetermined software specification – the plan, code, design, and documents – to ensure the product meets them.

The process involves keeping tabs on vital activities, such as system properties, business requirements, code walkthrough, and design review. The overarching goal is to ensure unfailing quality in every aspect of the software solution, from architecture to design.

Benefits of Verification Testing

Verification testing paves the way for software development processes aligned with global market and industry standards. The key benefits of it are outlined below:

• Frequent verification reduces the number of bugs and defects that may appear in later stages.
• Verifying at each stage gives insights into potential improvements needed in future stages.
• Even if bugs can’t be fixed immediately, verification helps QAs predict emerging issues and prepare to handle them.
• Verification keeps the software closely aligned with customer and business requirements at every stage.
• This process reduces the need for unnecessary work as development progresses.

How is Verification Testing Performed?

Verification software testing lifecycle comprises four methods:

• Peer Reviews: It involves providing the software product to others and asking them to review it. They can share their views about the product’s quality and help identify flaws.
• Inspections: A particular team inspects the software product and helps find potential faults and critical sections.
• Walkthrough: It involves demonstrating the software to a group of people who are free to ask their doubts. This method can help find potential problems.
• Desk-Checking: It is the process of reviewing a software’s source code. The development team usually desk-checks a program to ensure the algorithms work fine.

When to Use Verification Testing?

The QA and testing team must conduct verification tests at every phase of the software development cycle. One must ensure that these evaluations are done before implementing any feature. Suppose there’s a button called “Add to Cart.” Before developing it, it’s wise to conduct a verification test to understand its predetermined requirements. The software development team can then work on every element and feature without missing guidelines.

Here are some common scenarios when verification testing comes in handy:

• Before User Acceptance Testing: Ensures the system meets all requirements and is error-free before user testing.
• Before Code Integration: Verifies individual modules to ensure they meet design specifications before integration.
• During System Integration: Checks that integrated system components meet defined requirements and function as expected.
• After Software Updates: Verifies that updates or patches are implemented correctly without introducing new issues.
• When Requirements Change: Ensures the system complies with updated or revised requirements.
• During Design Reviews: Confirms that the design aligns with initial requirements and documentation.

Now that you’re familiar with verification testing’s role and significance, let’s understand validation testing in a nutshell.

What is Validation Testing?

Exploring its role, significance, and methodology

Validation testing in software testing involves evaluating the product to ensure it performs as intended in real-world scenarios and meets user expectations. The process comprises smoke testing, functional testing, integration testing, and other viable techniques. 

Validation testing often occurs in the later stages of development and involves checking whether the product delivers the desired outcomes, ensuring it is both functional and user-friendly in the target environment.

Benefits of Validation Testing

If software doesn’t meet market needs, what good does it serve? Validation testing ensures that a software product or platform is ideal for the market it’s intended for. Some of its benefits include:

• Missed bugs during verification are often detected during validation testing.
• If specifications are incorrect, validation tests reveal their shortcomings.
• Time and effort spent fixing issues prevents a bad product from reaching the market.
• Validation tests ensure the product meets customer demands, preferences, and expectations under various conditions (e.g., slow connectivity, low battery).
• They also verify the software’s cross-browser compatibility across different browser-device-OS combinations.

How is Validation Testing Performed?

Validation software testing lifecycle involves the following 4 phases:

• Design Qualification: It involves designing a validation testing plan based on the client’s requirements.
• Installation Qualification: It involves following the validation testing plan and installing the software accordingly.
• Operational Qualification: It involves testing the software using unit testing, integration testing, and more.
• Performance Qualification: It involves verifying whether the software can work in the real world per the requirements.

When to Use Validation Testing?

The quality assurance team must validate the product after every step in its development process. Unit test, one of the widely used software testing methodologies and a subset of software validation, is conducted after developing every unit of code. 

The integration test, another part of the validation process, is run after different modules have been fully developed and are ready for integration. Another aspect called cross-browser testing involves assessing every feature works as needed on various browser-device-OS combinations. 

For instance, once the team has fully developed the “Add to Cart” button, check whether it performs perfectly on different devices and browsers. This is a simple explanation of validation testing.

Some common scenarios where validation testing is used include:

• After Major Changes or Enhancements: When updates or new features are added, validation testing ensures they align with stakeholder expectations and don’t negatively affect functionality.
• Before Product Launch: Conducted to verify that the product meets customer requirements and performs as expected in real-world conditions.
• During Beta Testing: Used in beta testing to gather feedback on whether the product meets user needs and expectations.
• After System Completion: Once the system is fully developed, validation testing ensures the final product meets stakeholder requirements.
• During User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Used to confirm the product meets end-user needs and works correctly in real-world scenarios.

Post-Implementation Review: After deployment, validation testing ensures the product continues to meet stakeholder needs and functions as intended.

Using Software Verification and Validation in Software Testing

Verification and validation software testing methodologies, as now apparent, are an indispensable part of a software development lifecycle. Both of these processes can help determine whether the software product’s the right industry and market fit. 

The image below sheds light on the verification and validation software testing tools and how these work in tandem toward a common goal and shared successes.

Let’s now understand the difference between verification and validation in software testing.

How Does Verification Testing Differ from Validation Testing?

Understanding the Key Differences

Final Thoughts

There must be an effective verification and validation plan, along with flawless implementation, to deliver the best final software to customers. Think of them as two crucial authentication layers that ensure the product is developed according to the plan and specifications.

Verification ensures that the software is built correctly, according to the defined requirements, while validation checks if the product actually meets the users’ needs and expectations. 

By properly applying verification and validation in software testing, you can identify and eliminate bugs that could negatively impact the user experience and lead to criticism from end-users. This thorough process helps ensure a smooth, functional product that meets both technical and user expectations.

The post Verification vs. Validation In Software Testing appeared first on Reeshatech.

For the last decade or more, we have crafted products that cater to our esteemed clients and their specific industry verticals.

We often choose one between Frost’s “two roads”- either the right product or the right way to build a product, unknowingly. The idea here is to bring on a face-off between the two approaches. Post this, you will need to decide upon which of the two creates the most appeal and asserts the most efficiency.

While the thought is truly fetching, the narrative too will require some fine-tuning here. So, here is what we think of building a perfect product or building the product right. Bear with us!

For our read here, we split the article into two specific camps comprising its diverse range of tell-tale features.

With such a detailed roadmap laid out for the read, we are hoping the face-off match will be a roar.

However, here is a disclaimer before you start the read –

“the product and the industry you are catering to have a lot to do with this decision. Add on to this, your team’s adaptability and flexibility factors.”

So, here we go – users, developers, Product Managers (PM), and product owners – this read is for all of you!

1. The Pandemic Product Market for 2021 & Beyond

It might be safe to say that never have we been this keen for a year to end like that of 2020. The year was an eclipse (with none of the aesthetic view) in itself. It brought in a multitude of nosedives in the business, financial, and career openings.

However, due to the novel pandemic, people are often opting for remote work. This led to a significant surge in the product development industry.

More and more organizations picked up their pace in the second half of the year. This was in an attempt to minimize the losses and meet up with their minimum cash-flow situation.

As a result, they leaned more towards innovation. This brought in to products that were relatively unique as compared to that of their competitors. The target was to capture the user’s attention and then convert them from being prospects to becoming clients.

One such innovative edge added to product development involves the digital transformation aspect.

The second half of 2020 witnessed some serious acceleration in the digital transformation endeavors for products. Some such transformed products even saw double-digit growth during this phase. Here is a detailed look into this aspect of product development.

2. Product and the Digital Transformation Approach

Truth be told, digital transformation is no ‘new kid on the block’. From Cloud Infrastructure to Platform-As-A-Service, the integration of digital transformation into products brought in commendable results. These results are visible across diverse industry genres that include the manufacturing, medical, and P&C industries.

For example,

A. Manufacturing industry 

In this industry, the digital transformation approaches (as explained in our article Digital Transformation In Manufacturing) brought in hybrid products. Such products led to the perfect combination of the traditional gating procedure and the software development process.

B. Healthcare sector

With the digital transformation creating waves across all industries, the medical industry refused to fall behind. As a result, came the healthcare applications that have become a necessity for 2020 and beyond.

C. Miscellaneous

Like the sharks in the major industries, the relatively minor ones like the Wine Business too went on to be Technology-driven! This digital transformation-stricken product development-based awareness was possibly the most desired one across 2020!

Now, there is an ongoing debate on the approach to software development process.

One camp sternly believes in building the perfect product that caters to the clients, while the other concentrates on the right process to build the product. Here’s a look at what these two camps of product management for services look like –

While the image merely showcases the tip of the iceberg of this debate, it’s time to delve into the details!

3. Building the Right Product

The groundwork involved in developing a product is a mammoth task in itself. Why else do you think a Project Manager goes berserk?

So, why again did we start focusing on the PMs? Well, they are a key angle to this topic. Considering the role they hold in projects, they are the ones who decide upon whether

i. Develop the right product or

ii. Build the product right or

iii. Strike the perfect balance between the two alternative roads.

But how do these tech wizards handle the decision? Here’s a look into their factors of consideration while going for the right product building –

A. Research

The first set of questions that crowd the PM’s mind before building the right product are –

i. Is this the problem that we should be targeting?

ii. Is the issue worth the time and effort that my team will be putting in?

iii. Considering that we identified the issue and developed the product, is this the right product? Will it meet the initially targeted issues of the user?

All of these concerns need to be integral to the research. And these help to validate any potential solutions and various business issues.

Such research can be the root of a diverse range of solutions. However, it is essential to understand its very nature first. Research, as an element of building a perfect product, can be of various types –

i. Competitive analysis

ii. Prototyping solutions

iii. Shadowing individuals engaged in the work

iv. Reading documentation

v. User interviews.

B. Users

To build the right product, one of the priorities is the user-angle. Catering to the user’s requirements, as product developers, you need to start understanding your users, their perspectives and ensure that the required product is focused on resolving the user’s issues.

However,  one prominent hurdle is that more than often users are unable to articulate their issues. It then becomes the Product Manager’s responsibility to articulate the issues for the product owner to understand better.

This is followed by the-

i. Spotting of high scopes and

ii. Use of high-quality research resources and

iii. Use of analytics to seek the most suitable product-based solutions.

C. Product Owners

A product owner is as, if not more, important to a product development team as the PM. So, what is a product owner?  He/she is entitled to make decisions about the product with the assistance of the PM.

Have you noticed how they handle the crucial decisions about the product? Additionally, they have a crucial role to play in the success or failure of a product. These key ‘stakeholders’ hold deep domain expertise that helps them make crucial decisions.

D. Priorities

How many times have you heard the word ‘triage’? That is while you are watching medical TV shows like The House, The Good Doctor, The Residents, or Chicago Medical?

Do you know what that means?

Well, theoretically, triage is the assignment of degrees of urgency to wounds or illnesses. This helps medical personnel to decide the order of treatment of a large number of patients or casualties.

By now you understand the crucial role played by the person who calls this shot, right?

In the case of the right product development, the PM handles the digital triage. It is the PM who decides in which order the queued up problems are to be solved. This means taking into account the right balance among cost, value, and risk calculation.

With so much down the line, our proficient PMs have chalked out their roadmap across this prioritization. Here’s a small sneak peek into it –

i. The priority is the high-value parts of a product. De-risk the areas and spot the unknown issues.

ii. Take into account the technical challenges across the product.

E. Analytics

So, the right product service management you offered to the clients has been launched. But, your job as a product developer and launcher doesn’t end there. You will need to continue to build the right product even after the launch.

Analytics helps one achieve this. Additionally, in case your launched product isn’t the right one, you can fine-tune it with analytics.

Such analytics requires an optimum setup. One needs to decide what is the perfect set of questions regarding data. This tooling needs to be a business requirement based and the outputs have to be actionable.

Before adding on to the analytics, make sure to decide upon –

i. The product-based queries,

ii. The plausible answers,

iii. The customization of products as per answer-requirements.

F. Scopes

So, let’s see –

Issue identification – check!

Solution offering – check!

The solution adopted by the user – Ummm…

So, here is the problem – the solution you offer needn’t be unique. Similar solutions often pre-exist in the market. This might make your user doubtful about your offered solution as software development process.

So, what do you do?

i. Identify opportunities by analyzing the market.

ii. Find your place across the industry.

iii. Look for your USP (Unique Selling Point).

iv. Conduct a holistic competitor analysis to identify opportunities.

This is all about building the right product. Seems appealing enough? But, we say, it’s too early to decide. Check-in with the “building the product right”, compare the methods, and then decide between the two!

You game? Time to hop in!

4. Building the Product Right – The Correct Software Development Process

With ‘building a product right’, the entire focus is on the product development process. However, the process brings with it diverse risks – this includes the risks that

I. the developed product will cater only to the product developers

ii. The product will satisfy the terms that were there at the beginning of each sprint.

With the intervention of an expert Product Manager, there are chances of balancing between the preset product goals and the technical necessities. For this to work out optimally, there are a listed number of elements that one needs to concentrate on –

A. Process

Let’s start by saying that the key to building the product right is leaving ample room for customization. The personalization of the development process factors the niche for the product.

Thereby, at Reeshatech, we have created a skeleton roadmap. This roadmap helps us stay focused and ensure the efficiency of the functioning. Here is a look into the product development process followed by our expert Product Manager –

Step 1: Discovery Workshop

The Approach – This preliminary stage or the product discovery process mainly focuses on a client-team discussion. This involves running the project considering the initial agreements made and the proposals.

A Product Manager with his/her team will discuss the goals and objectives of the project. They gauge the competitive landscape, target audience, market, the client’s branding preference, document the preferred designs, and the epic mapping.

The Result – Taking into consideration the client’s opinion and requirements brings much-needed clarity to the project. As their expectations become transparent, this eases the working for the team. Subsequently, the planning phase initiates with the client’s feedback and input.

Step 2: Planning for software development process

The Approach – It is here that the branding guidelines, design, and project plan are clearly defined. One needs to prepare the relevant documents, and take into account the client’s approval for the execution of the project.

The Result – A well-planned project is now on the way to efficient execution with detailed documentation in hand. Subsequently, in our product management consulting services, the list of deliverables include –

i. project plan with detailed sprint planning,

ii. wireframes,

iii. test cases and scenarios and,

iv. user stories.

Step 3: Design

The Approach – Design thinking is building the right things. Our expert design team walks in. They start with the product designing based on the client-approved design guidelines and the wireframes.

Additionally, the team also takes into account the diverse devices from which the product will be accessed. Accordingly, the team crafts design that caters to web, mobile, and tablets.

The Result – Among the deliverables post this stage are –

i. clickable prototypes across Invision platforms,

ii. source files in the Sketch or Photoshop format, and

iii. the complete UI design of the project.

Step 4: Development

The Approach – The main product development stage is inclusive of catering to web services, backend, frontend, and API development integration.

This also comprises a strategic approach to the Agile Scrum methodology with the creation of an optimized clean code structure. Our methodology of agile is about building the right things.

The Result – The product is developed using the web and mobile technologies. This product may or may not be right on the first go. But, with client feedback and review, the product developed caters to their requirements and business goals.

Step 5: Testing

The Approach – No testing channel is left unturned. We tend to include – regression, manual, automation, unit, security, load & stress, code, and performance testing.

The Result – A ready-to-be-launched bug and glitch-free product is developed post the testing procedure.

Step 6: Maintenance

The Approach – Irrespective of whether the product has been launched or not, our support and maintenance service persists for our developed product.

As a part of the ‘building the product right’ approach, our team conducts

i. regular security audits,

ii. full testing of the system to spot errors, bugs, or incompatibility.

The product is also enhanced using an agile product management approach and bi-weekly code backups are conducted. Additionally, considering that any product launch would fetch massive traffic, our team helps monitor traffic and the server load.

They also aid in the optimization of the product as per the specific business requirements.

The Result – With post-launch maintenance, the client’s product is optimized as per the evolving market requirements. Additionally, it becomes bug-free and ready for multiple platforms.

This process described above is the core secret to the successful projects of our PMs with the “building the product right” approach. While this is the most crucial factor, it isn’t the only one. There are multiple other elements as well! Read on to know about these!

B. Architecture

Application architecture indicates achieving the simultaneous goals of executing the development for the present and planning for the future. This element is crucial. It makes sure that after the software development process, the product can be

i. fine-tuned,

ii. scaled, and

iii. calibrated

-to meet client requirements.

In this case, PMs offer a detailed roadmap. This roadmap would reflect all the trade-offs and all the costs involved. However, this is time-consuming since it is an ongoing procedure and requires the one responsible to revisit it regularly.

C. Design

We have an enhanced understanding of various client preferences. Thus, to ensure efficient working, our design team works in sync with our PMs.

The product design services include the cycle of converting the less-detailed and refined version of a product to its best version that is far more detailed and refined.

Additionally, we also make sure to validate our work across each step. This includes –

i. Extensive user testing

ii. Asking the user and the product owner about the quality of the work.

iii. Filtering out the noise by the PM.

Remember: Designing has a lot to do with branding and its identity. And as you know branding and its design is crucial to the brand image.

Thus, when it comes to the design element in designing the product right, it is crucial to imbibe the brand USP across the application. This will help users gauge and navigate across the developed product.

D. Technology used in software development process

Considering that you have provided your client with the perfect business solution, there is an aspect of technological choices. Each of these technological choices must necessarily have a trade-off. These trade-offs are as per the business needs. They include a wide range of things from ease to understand to speed.

Thus, for technologies to support your ‘building the product right’ approach, you would need the help of both –

i. The tools used, and

ii. Any required third-party integration.

E. Engineering

Digital product engineering services are the most crucial factor for the right process to build a product. With an intentionally accrued technical debt and thoughtful management of the same, there is a spike in the chances of success. This puts to test the bond-transparency between tech leads and PMs.

This relationship determines the success of the project. In this case, they should balance their skills and put their trust in each other while taking decisions. Here is what they can do –

i. PMs can provide feedback for their engineers at the earliest and frequently.

ii. Engineers should have access to detailed requirements and the crucial success terms.

iii. PMs should entrust the tech-team with their assigned work.

F. Tests/quality Analysis

We take pride in being one of the top website development and designing companies in New York. The reflection of this experience can be well visualized via the functioning of our developed & designed product. To ensure the efficient working of a product, we resort to both automated tests and manual quality analysis.

But, there is a major hurdle here. The testing or quality analysis process is a time-consuming one. To speed up the process, we involve the entire team from the very start. This also helps the entire team acknowledge the application’s holistic intention.

With the testing procedure, we can confirm that the product is working optimally. This supports the developers to move in swiftly if the product lags.

These sprint-based tests mitigate any over-the-top expenses considering how it sidelines any error at the earliest, before the final launch.

Conclusion

So, now you have the complete picture – a swift comparison between ‘building a perfect product’ and ‘building the product right’. With these forked roads in front of you, bring in the factors of

1. Your business requirements,
2. Market demands,
3. Pros and cons
4. User preferences
5. Offered value

-and decide upon the option that best caters to you.

Whatever your chosen option may be, make sure to establish team transparency and in-sync functioning. So, there you go! Enjoy the read and enjoy the results!

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