7code’s Discovery Mission: Pioneering Successful Software Development

Cindy-Cristina Daraban
7code
Published in
4 min readAug 29, 2023

In one of our prior articles, we delved into 7code’s development process. Today, our spotlight is on the Discovery Mission — a pivotal starting point. We’ll underscore its importance, advantages, and the risks of bypassing it, all while outlining our pathway to achieving software excellence. At 7code, we believe that a well-executed Discovery Mission is the cornerstone of successful software development.

The Power of 7code’s Discovery Mission in Software Development:

Unveiling the Future: We understand that the planning phase, particularly the Discovery Mission, holds the key to predicting project success. By diligently exploring all aspects of the project, we proactively identify potential risks, reduce friction, and pave the way for a triumphant outcome.

7code’s Solution-Focused Approach: We prioritize building a system that evolves with our clients’ organizations, embracing technological advancements and accommodating the ever-changing demands of end-users. Our Discovery Mission serves as a crucial milestone, delivering a clear understanding of where the true value of the product resides.

Delivering Essential Documentation: With a mission duration of 2 to 4 weeks, we ensure the production of a comprehensive set of documents that empower our clients to kick-start development immediately. Standardized and easily accessible, these documents also benefit other agencies, enabling accurate estimations for similar projects.

Unveiling 7code’s Discovery Mission Output:

Product Vision: Our dedicated team collaborates closely with stakeholders to define a compelling product vision. This encompasses the project’s goals, target users, unique value features, and innovative solutions to identified problems and obstacles.

Product Backlog: We believe in the power of granularity. To facilitate efficient development, we meticulously break down the project into workable items. This detailed product backlog allows our development teams to implement products that align with the established Product Vision.

Wireframes: We create low-fidelity designs that offer invaluable insights into the product’s dynamics. These wireframes enable all stakeholders to comprehend the information flow and user interface structure, fostering a shared understanding and informed decision-making.

Technical Architecture: 7code’s expertise extends beyond software development. We provide a complete diagram of all subsystems within the technical ecosystem. By offering accurate descriptions and ready-to-implement infrastructure items, we set the stage for seamless and efficient development.

Planning and Estimations: Our Discovery Mission ensures accurate planning and estimation. We provide comprehensive cost estimates, enabling our clients to make informed decisions during the budgeting phase. Additionally, we propose a team structure and develop a detailed delivery plan, encompassing development and delivery cycles along with essential milestones.

The Consequences of Neglecting the Discovery Mission:

Misguided Direction: Without a robust Discovery Mission, misalignment becomes a significant risk. Stakeholders may hold conflicting expectations, leading to delays, budget overruns, and compromised outcomes.

Escalated Risks: By sidestepping the thorough identification and mitigation of potential risks during the Discovery Mission, organizations face heightened risks throughout the development process. This can result in increased costs, delays, and compromised quality.

User Dissatisfaction: Inadequate user research and understanding can lead to a product that fails to meet users’ needs and expectations. Neglecting the Discovery Mission can result in a bad user experience, leading to low adoption rates and negative feedback.

Inefficient Development: Without a well-defined plan and a granular product backlog, development teams may struggle to prioritize tasks and encounter inefficiencies. This can lead to missed deadlines and compromised project outcomes.

7code’s Step-by-Step Approach to the Discovery Mission:

Product Vision (1st week): We dedicate focused time to collaboratively define a compelling product vision with stakeholders, aligning goals, identifying value propositions, and addressing potential obstacles.

Product Backlog and Wireframes (2nd week): We meticulously craft a detailed product backlog, ensuring that all workable items are identified and accompanied by acceptance criteria. Concurrently, we create wireframes to visualize the product’s user interface and information flow.

Technical Architecture (3rd week): We develop a comprehensive diagram of the technical ecosystem, delineating all subsystems. Accurate descriptions and ready-to-implement infrastructure items provide a solid foundation for seamless development.

Planning and Estimations (4th week): We present our clients with a well-informed delivery plan, incorporating the proposed team structure, accurate estimations, and essential milestones. Our comprehensive cost estimates aid in effective project planning and budgeting.

Conclusion:

7code’s Discovery Mission forms the bedrock of our software development process, propelling us toward success. By placing ourselves at the center of all actions, we diligently craft a clear path from concept to implementation. Our comprehensive output, encompassing product vision, backlog, wireframes, technical architecture, planning, and estimations, guarantees efficient development and client satisfaction. Choosing 7code means embracing a discovery-driven approach that empowers your organization to deliver exceptional software solutions.

If you found this article helpful or have any questions, feel free to get in touch with us:

🌐 Visit our website: 7code.software
✉️ Email us at: office@7code.ro

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