Modification date: July 29, 2021

What Is Discovery, and Why Do We Need It for Software Development?

logo
Syberry

When it’s time to kick off a new custom software project, many businesses are champing at the bit to get started. They’re eager to launch their new software and start seeing results, and we can’t blame them. But if we hit the ground running right away, we’re actually doing our customers a disservice. In reality, the first thing we need to do is hit the brakes on development and kick off our partnership with a thorough discovery process.

It may be tough to have this kind of patience at the outset, but the discovery process saves significant time, resources, and headaches in the long run, ensuring an efficient development process so our customers can launch a clean, fully functioning software solution as soon as possible.

What Is Discovery?

Discovery is the process by which the development team and the customer sit down to develop a clear and complete understanding of the goals for the new software application and the ways it will support the client’s most pressing needs.

The discovery process looks a bit different from vendor to vendor, but at Syberry, it involves the whole team, including leading players on the client’s side as well as a hand-selected project manager, design team, and development team who are well versed in the client’s business and needs. The Syberry team also includes a business analyst who is responsible for collecting all the relevant data and information to create detailed specifications and mockups, and a software architect who designs the structure of the system and identifies the technical standards — a crucial process, especially for systems that need to be scalable.

The team’s first task is to identify and clarify the client’s goals and customer personas, gather any existing materials or documents relevant to the product, and analyze similar software solutions from other companies. All of this information helps the developers identify the problems this product will solve and understand what will work best for its intended users, whether they’re the client’s employees or its customers.

Next, we use all the information we gathered during the first phase to create a mockup of the product, outlining user journeys, design elements, and requirements. Then we use feedback from the client to iterate on these mockups as much as we need to in order to ensure our team and our client’s team are aligned in their expectations and pleased with the target result.

While we’re iterating these mockups, we also start to identify the technologies that will be best suited to meet our client’s unique needs. At Syberry, our agile team is technology-agnostic, meaning we don’t limit our capabilities by selling or promote specific technologies. Instead, we use our broad expertise to choose just the right stacks and components for each customer.

Once we’ve worked with the client to nail down the target result and its requirements, we enter the last phase of the discovery process, which is to create and deliver the project roadmap that shows clients what we plan to build, test, and deliver at every phase of the project.

Once the discovery process is complete — and not a moment before — our developers can finally get to work building your custom software solution.

Why Is Discovery Important?

Imagine trying to complete a thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle with no picture to guide you.

  • Or playing a new board game without reading the instructions first.
  • Or building a house without any blueprints.

You may have a vague idea of what the end result should look like, but without detailed guidelines from everyone involved, the process will be messy and inefficient, and the end result may or may not be what the client had anticipated. In the case of the builder without any blueprints, he may manage to build a functional house, but he has no way to know whether it will really meet the client’s needs and expectations in terms of size, style, cost, or number of rooms.

The same principles apply to software development. If all we know is that our client wants a new CRM system to improve customer retention, we can build a CRM based on best practices for customer retention. But if we don’t sit down with our client to learn about their current pain points, their customers’ needs, and their specific requirements, our software will be built on nothing but educated guesses — and who knows whether it will solve the client’s problems?

What’s more, completing the discovery process before development begins gives clients the opportunity to make informed decisions about how to proceed with their project’s development. Once they understand the full picture and all it’s technical implications, they may decide to make strategic or functional changes to the software. Without discovery, these changes would come mid-development, and they’d add significant cost and resources to the project.

Scrimping on the discovery process — or skipping it altogether — may mean getting the project started faster, but it will invariable lead to mismanaged expectations, costly revisions, and a much longer timeline than the client had hoped for.

It’s not easy to be patient when you’re excited about all the ways your new application will help your company grow, but rest assured that the discovery process is critical to a successful engagement, and the time we spend on it upfront will pay off many times over in the long run.

Contact us today to learn more about Syberry’s custom software development process.

Publication date: October 8, 2018

Explore More Resources:

What our customers say about us

Syberry’s team was highly responsive and communicative, managing our project smoothly, responding immediately to any issues that arose, and delivering great software at a reasonable price.

Richard Harkness

CEO, ADEPT Driver

Elk Grove, CA

How we help ADEPT Driver Company

We developed a web-based driving simulator for teens and another for adults. The products run on Chromebooks, and the team added features that enable them to measure a driver's ability to avoid a crash.

Technologies used

I don't think you could find a better company to manage and build your project. I get so many compliments on my application, and it has a lot of unique and complex development.

Todd Surber

CEO, PIXRIT

Charleston, South Carolina

How we help PIXRIT Company

A photographer approached us to build a web-based software platform that combines the fastest social media manager with state-of-the-art galleries and provides the ultimate tool for photographers to upload, store, back up, and share their photos and manage their SMM activities.

Technologies used

The high-quality, user-friendly software Syberry created for us has helped grow our clientele, and we were very pleased with their partnership. Syberry was straightforward and consistent in their communication, met every deadline, and ensured a hassle-free development process.

Vince Hughes

Owner, Steel Estimating Solutions

Knoxville, TN

How we help Steel Estimating Solutions Company

Our client was inspired to create a product that helps steel erection companies perform faster, more efficient estimations and bids. We developed original proprietary software from the initial concept.

Technologies used

Syberry delivered world-class service for a cost-efficient price. They communicated well with our team throughout the process, breaking down steps and utilizing a streamlined management system to keep everyone in the loop at all times. The resulting new platform far outperforms its predecessor and has received rave reviews.

Bill Fahy

Owner, FDI Creative Services

Houston, TX

How we help FDI Creative Services Company

Following strict regulations and requirements, we used AWS to develop a custom e-commerce web app that includes shipping integration. Since the site’s launch, the team has continued to make updates.

Technologies used

The application was delivered on time and within budget. Syberry explained their process thoroughly and accommodated to scope changes effortlessly. Their stellar project management, highly responsive communication, and proactive attitude set them apart.

Ricardo Casas

CEO, Fahrenheit Marketing

Austin, TX

How we help Fahrenheit Marketing Company

We developed a large, complex .NET application with various third-party integrations. The team built the software from scratch based on existing wireframes.

Technologies used

The end solution exceeded the client’s expectations. Syberry delivered high-quality products on time and at outstanding value. They provided frequent updates and repeatedly sought feedback at each stage. Customers can expect a highly experienced team that easily translates concepts into solutions.

Rudy Milkovic

Executive Director, Velikom

Austin, TX

How we help Velikom Company

Our team built video streaming software as a web and desktop app for a third-party client. We completed end-to-end development—from scoping to feedback cycles to QA—using PHP and Wowza Streaming Engine.

Technologies used

Syberry has significantly improved our existing platform, and they continue demonstrate their dedication to our business goals and needs by making thoughtful suggestions for enhancements. The Syberry team is communicative and reliable, mitigating all our concerns about outsourcing software development.

Cory Kowal

VP of Products, THG Energy Solutions

Tulsa, OK

How we help THG Energy Solutions Company

Taking over for another vendor, we served as the ongoing software engineering partner for an energy company’s cloud-based platform. The company provided scoping, development, testing, and deployment services.

Technologies used

Syberry has been an invaluable partner in development. Their impressive team was more than able to fulfill our project needs, and their expertise and dedication led to smooth collaboration every step of the way. The result was a successfully launched product that has received lots of positive feedback.

Chris Cox

CTO, MyMelo

Louisville, Kentucky

How we help MyMelo Company

We provided staff augmentation resources for a development project. The team contributed engineers to follow an established roadmap to perform updates and add features.

Technologies used

The database Syberry developed has empowered 40 organizations to help in the fight against COVID-19. A communicative partner, the Syberry team worked quickly and efficiently to launch the website, and they continue to invest their time and efforts into the project.

David Snyder

Product Director, Covid Resource Network

West Orange, New Jersey

How we help Covid Resource Network Company

The company developed a website that serves as a database where organizations can find and donate to other organizations. Currently, the team is working on enhancing the website and fixing bugs.

Technologies used

Syberry was a patient partner, making this engagement feel like a true collaboration. The system they created for us will save our team significant time and frustration.

Joyce Cubio

VP of Operations, Ernie's Mobile Home Transport

Yuba, California

How we help Ernie's Mobile Home Transport Company

The team built an information hub for a mobile home transport and permit service. After discussing the existing system and processes, we delivered a new structure for forms and data.

Technologies used

The Syberry team is skilled at juggling multiple projects. Though they are in high demand, we were confident that they had the resources and the expertise needed to focus on our partnership. Their constant dedication led to a truly successful engagement, and the final product exceeded all our expectations.

John Fox

Executive VP, Fox Business Automation Solutions

Lakeland, Florida

How we help Fox Business Automation Solutions Company

Brought on as a third party, we supplied ongoing development services. The team work on multiple projects and deliver according to predetermined design specifications.

Technologies used

Contact us to learn more about how Syberry can help your business achieve its every goal!

0 / 2500

Sign a mutual NDA before a conversation.

When to sign an NDA?

A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract between parties, such as the software developer (or a software development firm) and yourself, outlining information to be shared and requiring that information be kept confidential.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Submit loading...

Was this page helpful?