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When striking on a bright idea, startups can be tempted to dive straight into software development. Yet this direct approach often results in errors that a discovery workshop would pick up on.
What is a discovery workshop?
A discovery workshop plays a vital role at the start of a digital project's planning stage. It provides a basis for the client and software development company to work towards envisioning a product and the business behind it.
The aim here is not to create a platform for a meaningless talking shop. Rather it is for both parties to understand the size of a software development project, as well as the client’s objectives and expectations.
What does the process look like?
Our discovery workshops are conducted using a simple but tried-and-tested process.
First, our clients meet our Tech Lead and Business Analyst. The client’s idea is then analyzed from a business and technology perspective. Next, we gather user stories and create clickable low fidelity prototypes. This allows our clients to visualize how the final product will look and feel like.
A user story is a tool used in Agile software development to capture a description of a software feature from an end-user perspective. A user story describes the type of user, what they want and why.
Your role is simply to onboard the idea to us as well as the business logic behind it. We then promote discussion, ask the right questions and assess the product from a business and technology perspective. Throughout the workshop, the emphasis is on adopting a user-centric mindset.
To do our utmost, we need as much knowledge of the product as possible. What is the aim and mission of the project? Why do consumers need this product? What issues does it settle? Questions like these encourage deep thinking about the product and its development. This helps us to define the scope of the work involved.
We then gather user stories in JIRA and create clickable prototypes using the InVision product design platform.
The above process gives us what we need to provide you with an estimated budget for the project. This can all be done within 2-5 days either in Wrocław or remotely. Our team is well-versed in running workshops in either form.
Why should you take part in a discovery workshop?
There are many reasons why a Python development company such as Ulam Labs should advocate discovery workshops. Here are just a few:
- Irrespective of how novel a concept is, it can prove to be half-baked if not enough thought is put into the first stages of its development. Discovery workshops serve to avoid this problem by anticipating potential obstacles.
- Such workshops focus on the project as a whole. This thorough approach covers key areas like business aims and user experience.
- The techology partner can scrutinize the project in advance. This helps to avoid potential discrepancies in areas like functionality, design and cost.
- The project's goals and needs can be identified from the beginning, making it easy to determine if the end product has met all expectations.
- The process of software development can yield differences in opinion. A discovery workshop alleviates this friction via a detailed overview of the product. Such a simple, plain-language description of the main features allows everyone to be on the same page.
- The workshops conclude with a clear timeline that gives each client reassurances on what will be completed and when.
The above advantages often combine to effect, resulting in the final product being even better than was envisioned at the start.
Who are discovery workshops for?
Discovery workshops serve a vital purpose for anyone seeking to make a new product a reality. This is true for companies of all sizes, from garage start-ups to corporate behemoths.
For those keen on outsourcing software development, participating in discovery workshops is paramount. The process allows startups with less IT knowledge and experience to better understand what it takes to realize their vision.
Misjudgments over the intricacies of software development generate unwanted, costly issues for startups. This tends to happen when businesses have unrealistic expectations or limited IT know-how. This is where discovery workshops come in. They address such problems head-on before any software development gets underway.
Founders, designers, developers and product managers worldwide have benefited greatly from discovery workshops.
So why don't you give it a shot? We are ready to embark on this journey of discovery with you.
What makes our discovery workshops special?
- Our activities aid team bonding
During the process we spend valuable time with our clients. This facilitates better understanding and mutual trust, resulting in smooth cooperation. These hours spent together are infinitely more valuable than countless emails.
Our workshops also allow you to experience the professional approach of our expert team firsthand. The quality of work and level of expertise will be clear from start to finish.
- We ask the right questions, not just the expected ones
Our questioning approach at the workshops will surprise you. We inquire about issues you wouldn't think of when creating your product or service.
- Our preparation is second to none
We thoroughly prepare ourselves in every aspect, whether technical or not. Without this diligence, we couldn't release a product prepared for all circumstances.
How can you book a discovery workshop?
Want to release your product but don't know how to proceed? Or perhaps you need to check the estimated cost of a python software development project? If so, contact us and we'll prepare a discovery workshop dedicated to you!
It really is as simple as that.
In as little as 2-5 days, either here in Wrocław or remotely from the comfort of your own office, we can find the best path to realize your vision.
Our commitment to clear communication, mutual respect, as well as keeping to budgets and timelines, makes us an ideal partner. Although we are an outsourcing company on paper, our close cooperation will make us feel like part of your own in-house team.
