Creating a new website or application is much like designing and building a home. An architect wouldn’t begin construction without a clear understanding of the homeowner’s needs, preferences, lifestyle, and plans for the future. Similarly, in software development, the discovery process is a critical first step to ensure the final product aligns with the client’s goals and brings the vision to life.
“A discovery will give the Association an actionable blueprint for building a scalable and engaging website that meets its immediate needs and is expandable to incorporate the future goals and needs of its staff and members” -Chris Hodges, Senior Business Development Manager
Understanding the Discovery Process
The discovery process is a collaborative effort between your organization and the project team. It’s designed to uncover the purpose, requirements, and vision for the website before any coding begins. Think of it as drafting the blueprints for a digital home. Here’s how the process compares to an architect’s approach:
Step 1: Asking the Right Questions
Architects: Before sketching the first line, an architect asks questions like:
How many people will live here?
When you wake you in the morning, where is the first place you go?
What are your hobbies?
Do your kids play sports?
What design elements inspire you the most?
What’s your budget?
Web Developers: In the same vein, a web development team will ask:
What are the primary goals of your website? (e.g., sales, education, engagement)
Who is your target audience?
What features and functionalities do you need? (e.g., e-commerce, user portals, multimedia)
What would empower your team?
What pain points could be addressed to make your team and organization more successful?
What external systems of record should be integrated into your new website or application?
What types of reports will be needed?
What is your budget and timeline?
These foundational questions help both the architect, and the web developer understand the project’s scope and set realistic expectations. This is how we begin the Discovery process, but it's just the start! We welcome your questions and want you to be a part of the conversation.
Step 2: Gathering Inspiration and Requirements
Architects: Homeowners often share inspiration from magazines, Pinterest, or neighborhood tours. Architects consider these preferences while adhering to zoning laws, structural integrity, and budget constraints.
Web Developers: Clients provide examples of websites or tools they like, along with branding guidelines, content, and any existing assets. The development team considers these elements while ensuring the design is user-friendly, accessible, and optimized for performance.
Step 3: Planning and Prototyping
Architects: After gathering information, architects create blueprints to help homeowners visualize the project. Adjustments are made based on feedback.
Web Developers: Similarly, our analysts and designers create wireframes and mockups to outline the website or application layout and design. Interactive prototypes may follow, allowing clients to experience the site’s functionality before development begins.
Step 4: Budgeting and Prioritizing
Architects: Sometimes, a dream home exceeds the initial budget. Architects work with clients to prioritize features or explore cost-effective alternatives.
Web Developers: If the website’s wish list surpasses the budget, the team will help prioritize features and suggest phased development to achieve long-term goals.
Step 5: Finalizing the Blueprint
Architects: Once the plans are finalized, construction begins. The blueprint serves as a guide to ensure the project stays on track.
Web Developers: A detailed project plan is created, documenting your goals, needed features, approaches, needs, risks milestones, timelines, deliverables and costs. This serves as a roadmap for the build phase.
The Importance of the Discovery Process
Skipping the discovery phase is like building a house without blueprints — it’s risky, chaotic, and often results in costly mistakes.
The discovery process:
Ensures alignment between client expectations and the final product.
Identifies potential challenges early, saving time and money.
Creates a clear roadmap for the project, ensuring efficiency and focus.
Just as architects need to understand the homeowner’s vision to design the perfect house, web developers must invest time in discovery to create a website that truly serves its purpose. By asking the right questions, gathering inspiration, and planning meticulously, the discovery process lays a solid foundation for a successful project.
At Breakthrough Technologies, we see the discovery process as the key to a successful project. It allows us to minimize risk, present creative options, and collaborate on the desired solution. Our Discovery team will use our proven approach to guide you through the discovery process and develop your plan for success. Let’s discover what we can create together!