Before the actual work, it is essential to get to the core of your business idea. Thus, we thoroughly analyze your primary goals, aspirational targets, and end-users' needs to collect the required information and move with the development process. This is the first and mandatory stage of the discovery phase, which enables us to identify the requirements, make a proposal for technical implementation, fix the project boundaries, and estimate the approximate cost of development.
Our Discovery Phase Services Include
We handle a complete analysis of all aspects of the project creation - from the emergence of an idea and business concept to the technical implementation of the product.
Your Business Goals as a Direction
Defining Success Criteria
What contributes to the success of your new product? This critical question leads us throughout the whole discovery phase. We clearly solidify each factor to find the appropriate path to success while also identifying and tackling potential roadblocks and threats. As a result, it is possible to determine measurable terms of what should be the desired result of the project to both the client and end-user.
Technical Review
Notably, technology is the driving force of the development process. For this reason, our discovery phase services include a technical analysis of your product concept. Thanks to this important stage, we propose an appropriate tech stack for the development and corresponding tooling. Then, we form the development team with the necessary tech knowledge and expertise to meet the key functional requirements.
5-Step Product Discovery Phase
Our five-step approach to the discovery phase protects the client from unexpected expenses along with defining the working conditions of the team that will work on the development process.
1 Mind Map
After meeting with the client and clarifying their expectations, we assemble a team that will be involved in the project and decide what the discovery phase will consist of. The distribution of roles is fixed in a kind of Mind/Role Map or diagram. The role map is provided to the customer so that they can better understand our responsibilities. With the vast mind map's forecasting capabilities, the discovery phase enables us to define the scope of the project, as well as determine the boundaries of the future project. Moreover, it is easier to clarify imperceptible tasks, build relationships, track contradictions, and exact requirements.
2 Market & User Analysis
When the roles and tasks are already distributed among the team members, it is time to initiate the competitive market analysis. In fact, it is worthwhile to involve not only team members but also people responsible for exploring the user needs. Our business analysts and consultants perform user experience analysis and interview the potential customers. Based on the survey results, we compile a BPMN diagram detailing the requirements for the project. Therefore, we clearly define practical problems posed by both market limitations and specific users requirements that need to be solved.
3 Wireframing
Wireframe gives a preliminary understanding of the future UI/UX infrastructure. And since it usually displays a fundamental business case, it clarifies which aspects need to be included in an interactive prototype. The client will receive a simple representation of the digital interface and its necessary features at this stage. Then, coupled with an SRS, it explains how the project will work and feel once it is finally completed.
4 Prototyping
After the design of the future project is finalized and approved by the customer, a UX designer creates a clickable prototype to test interaction methods and simulate user experience. All interactions are modeled as close as possible to what the final product will include. Finally, an interactive prototype is created to demonstrate a business project to investors, get feedback from end-users or focus groups, and test a real user experience before the actual development.
5 Project Estimation
Last but not least, the discovery phase also includes project estimation. It implies a financial breakdown into technologies: backend, frontend, mobile, testing, analytics, design. Each technology is evaluated to predict the final cost of the project. This stage enables us to prevent the need to make costly additional edits and change prices in the course of development.
What Our Discovery Phase Can Help You With
Backed by years of experience in delivering discovery phase analysis, we apply industry best practices to reach superior results.
01 / Minimize Risks
Due to a clear understanding of the project's goals and requirements provided by the discovery phase, our development team comes up with accurate estimates of time and budget.
02 / Establish a Roadmap
As we have mentioned earlier, our discovery phase services include SRS and wireframe prototypes, which can significantly increase the project's feasibility with investors and bring in supplementary funding.
03 / Obtain Feedback Easily
Your business can gain an in-depth understanding of the customer expectations and concerns based on competitor product research and user stories. At the same time, you can test the product prototype and collect the first feedback.
Take a Look at Our Discovery Phase Success Stories
We create meaningful changes for humanity through smart and perceptive discovery phase services.
Relevant Cases View all projects
View all projectsFrequently Asked Questions
The discovery phase is a preliminary analysis of the needs of the client, the market, competitors, target audience, the upcoming scope of work, and resources. It is carried out in any area where the contractor wants to fulfill his obligations to the client in a quality manner.
Thanks to the discovery phase, your business can:
- Determine the essence of an idea or project based on a real analysis of the market and target audience.
- Identify some aspects of the project that were not taken into account initially.
- Understand customer expectations and concerns based on competitor product research and user stories.
- Get an expert assessment of the project and information on how to implement it properly.
- Minimize and optimize costs.
- Draw up a straightforward technical task with the definition of the exact deadlines and budget for the project.
- Establish a balance between the business goals of the client and the interests of the end-users.
- Decide whether the provider meets your business' expectations, and make the final decision on further cooperation.
It is essential to note that there is no set time period for the discovery phase. Typically, it may take between 4-8 weeks, but everything depends on your project concept, its specificities, functionality, and potential limitations. However, let the purpose of your discovery dictate how long it is necessary to spend on it.
While we understand that high-quality development is a key priority for our clients, skipping the discovery phase is like navigating unknown waters blindfolded. Thus, investing in discovery phase services not only minimizes risks but also ensures project success by aligning efficient development strategies with your business objectives.
At devabit, flexibility is a must. Even though we set the initial roadmap during the discovery phase, our team understands that business requirements can evolve over time. In such cases, we dive deeply into your needs to reassess and realign our strategies to address any changes while ensuring minimal project timeline and budget disruptions.
Well, the million-dollar question! The discovery phase is important because it saves you time, money, and headaches down the road. By thoroughly understanding your business needs and objectives upfront, we mitigate risks, avoid costly missteps, and ensure that the final solution aligns perfectly with your vision.
While planning focuses on outlining tasks and schedules, and execution involves building the actual solution, the discovery phase is all about understanding the why behind your project. It is about unveiling the intricacies of your business, identifying challenges, and defining the best path forward to achieve your goals.
Do not worry; this is a popular scenario. Luckily, our skilled team has got you covered. We will guide you every step of the way. Our main goal is to help you clarify your goals, uncover hidden opportunities, and turn your vision into reality. With a team of experienced consultants, we will easily understand your key requirements and adjust the discovery phase according to your budget expectations. All in all, you can consider us your trusted navigators in the vast sea of technology.
When it comes to the discovery phase, collaboration is key. At devabit, we maintain a transparent and inclusive approach where your input is welcomed throughout the discovery phase. Who knows your business better than you? Leveraging your unique business insights and vision, we bring our technical know-how to the table to find the perfect recipe for success. Subsequently, collaboration is important to understand your business requirements and properly set project concepts.