Why would you have a project discovery process?
Unless a web project is considered simple and easy to do with a clear understanding for the development team, you may need to consider to contract someone to clearly analyse your requirements. To be able to produce proper estimates and a breakdown of what will be delivered within a solid time frame. In many instances people that are building new websites receive bids and estimates done within a few minutes of time. With many cases and examples these are not accurate at all. Because proper website and business requirements are missing. The goals have not been outlined and all the details worked out. General rule is that any project that may take more than a week to do, can be considered for the discovery phase.
What can you expect in the discovery process? Number one important factor is for the client and the designer/developer to meet. At least one meeting is crucial to work out all details, go over any examples and confirm on all questions one may have from reviewing the requirements. The team or individual in charge of working on the project, should have all the questions answered. They can recommend the technologies to the client based on the requirements or stick with what has been proposed by the client. Discovery really stresses collecting as much information as possible to have an clear understanding. Once the details have been worked out, the development team may need to do additional research or to investigate the existing website for example. Once everything is in place, the entire project can be broken down and estimated.
Benefits of a Discovery Phase
What are the benefits of a discovery phase? There are many reasons for this.
- The project requirements can be validated based on evidence not assumption.
- You can better understand your budget and if the project is feasible.
- A balance is achieved between the business goals and the needs and wants of the users.
- Avoid needing to make costly changes during the development stages.
- Test the relationship between you and your team, make sure you’re a good fit before undertaking a big project together.