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Managing Partner YouX
In the evolution of companies and organizations, the day always comes when the generalist software on the market proves to be inadequate or, in other cases, too complex and expensive for the needs.
This is when we start talking about custom software development. Tailor-made because it is intended to respond to the specific needs of a company or organization and, in particular, the users who will interact with it.
This development process carries several risks. According to several international studies, the overwhelming majority fail: either because it is way above budget, or it accumulates long delays and/or it does not meet the expectations that were the basis for its creation. In this article we will talk a little about some of the main traps in custom software development.
Contrary to what is a very common thought for those who are less familiar with this area, many of the reasons that underlie the failure of media software development have nothing to do with technology.
One of the main traps is not investing in a careful analysis of the business before moving on to development. This is a crucial phase to bring any project to fruition. Before we think about technology, it is essential that the entire team involved knows at least the business that will be the subject of the application, its surroundings, its agents (users), have an idea of similar projects on the market (if they exist) as well as the objectives for the project.
Another trap is to move into development without clearly identifying what the project requirements are. It is true that at the end of the project, changes can always be made and new features added. However, it is guaranteed that the cost of the project will skyrocket substantially, as well as the postponement of its completion deadlines. Understand well the needs that substantiate the requirements, understand the journeys of future users, clarify the different contexts of those involved in the project, eliminating language ambiguities and, last but not least, clearly define what it means to achieve a goal in the project; They are essential elements for the success of any custom software development project.
“Thinking small” is a success factor. We are not referring to limiting the ambition to do more and better, but rather to a reality that, according to several international studies, highlights: large projects have a huge probability of being unsuccessful. In fact, it is much easier to deal with a more limited work object and naturally with a smaller team, which makes project management easier. In the software industry, the 20/80 rule is often referred to, that is, 80% of the value of products is the result of 20% of the resources. This rule reflects the need to focus on the main features that the user actually wants and will use. In addition to this aspect, it is important to resist the temptation to add features to the project. Starting with a smaller project, finishing it, creating new projects to add new features, is the safest path.
In a world full of change, software development projects are also subject to changes: from legal regulations, market changes or even the composition of the team linked to the process. Maintaining effective communication channels between all parties involved in a project is a critical success factor.
Many customers are unaware of another decisive factor for the success of developing a bespoke application: experimenting before proceeding. Prototyping is fundamental and irreplaceable for moving forward safely to the construction phase . There are several tools that allow you to develop functional and interactive prototypes. The use of prototypes has many advantages: it allows identifying errors, involving the various actors in the development process, a better understanding of how the software works, identifying missing or confusing features.
Testing is imperative. Systems are increasingly complex. Sometimes, a simple change in the code in one area can affect the system in other completely different areas. Testing and having a development policy aimed at systematic testing is the only way to avoid errors and damage to your business and your credibility.
Are you thinking of developing an application?
YouX is a software development company focused on providing the best user experiences.
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YouX is a software development company focused on providing the best user experiences.
Digital Strategy
UX Design
UI Design
Digital Sprints
User Research
AR applications
Web AR
Software development
Mobile Applications / Web Apps
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© 2021/5 Xperialab Lda ®
Todos os direitos reservados.
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