After receiving your initial project estimate, the next step is to plan and visualize your project. This stage is like building with blocks, where we combine different parts to create a customized plan that meets your project's unique needs.

In this article, we'll cover:

  • how planning and visualization differ for new and existing projects
  • when a prototype may not be necessary
  • when additional clarification of requirements is needed
  • when designs are created
  • why the project development estimate may change after this stage

Visualizing your idea

For a new project

If you’ve already worked with our specialist during the express analytics phase to establish high-level requirements and initial architecture, the planning and visualization stage will involve the creation of a detailed development plan, including low-level requirements, and a clickable prototype. 

This process is similar to working with a designer to create a blueprint for a house. We'll analyze your requirements, study competitors, and discuss technical issues with our developers to ensure your project is well-planned and visualized.‍

Imagine you want to build a house. Initially, you describe your ideas to a construction company. Based on this, you won’t get an immediate final cost or start building right away. Instead, you work with a designer who drafts a detailed house plan, including materials and safety considerations. 

Similarly, in software development, we create detailed project requirements and a clickable prototype to avoid surprises later. 

During the planning and visualization process, our analyst:

  • thoroughly analyzes your requirements and the needs of your project,
  • studies competitors' products to adapt the best features to your project and avoid repeating their mistakes,
  • discusses technical issues with our developers, and if necessary, they research the most complex features of your product,
  • draws a clickable prototype (a wireframe) with all the pages of your product with clickable buttons.

This approach ensures that the project is well-planned and visualized before development begins, similar to a detailed house plan before construction.

Why do you need a Wireframe?

A wireframe is a crucial part of the planning and development phases. It's a visual representation of your product that allows you to click buttons, move between screens, and see the system from the end-user's perspective. This helps you identify what will be user-friendly and what won't. Wireframes also spark new ideas, allow for early feedback, and save you from costly changes later. For example, a change costing $50 in planning could cost $5,000 during development.

For an existing product

The process is similar to a new project but also includes analyzing user behavior to suggest improvements. Wireframes are created for new features to visualize their logic and identify needed adjustments.

Why further clarify requirements after express analytics and initial estimates?

Uncovering implicit requirements

During the creation of a wireframe, many implicit requirements come to light. These may include:

  • Negative scenarios, which are often overlooked during initial planning and development.
  • Legal-related requirements related to privacy policies and other legal considerations.

When all interfaces are rendered as a wireframe, you will likely want to make changes. These additions and refinements will also impact the initial estimate.

Importance of testing

The requirements and the wireframe must be tested. This step is mandatory and completes the planning process. It helps reduce the possibility of errors, such as:

  • overlapping or unnecessary features,
  • conflicting requirements or features,
  • problems that could affect the usability of the final product.

These errors can seriously impact the estimate during the development stage if not identified early. Clarifying and testing requirements ensure that the project is well-defined, reducing risks and improving the accuracy of development estimates.

When are designs created?

Designs are typically created after the planning and visualization stage is complete. However, a designer can be involved during planning to improve navigation and layout, correct errors early, and ensure a smoother transition to the design stage.

Next step

Based on the wireframe and updated requirements, we'll prepare a detailed commercial proposal, including a detailed quotation with development priorities. This allows you to see which features should be included in the first version of the product and which ones might be more profitable to postpone.

Once planning and visualization are complete, you’ll have a detailed plan and estimate, similar to a house blueprint, ready for development.

Ready to get started?  Contact us or book a quick call for a free personal consultation. 

  • Processes