Managing scope for successful offshore development
✍️ by Babish Shrestha, Technology Director at Proshore
Outsourcing to a dedicated software development team offers significant advantages, making it a natural choice for startups and scale-ups seeking fast, effective development. However, achieving optimal results requires strategic management.
Successful partnerships rely on strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration. Setting clear goals and agreeing on project scope are also crucial.
1️⃣ Start with an MVP
Software projects usually fall into two categories:
- Those with a clear core concept but lacking detailed features. For example, they know they want to build an eCommerce app for the health sector but don’t know the finer details.
- Those with a wish list in mind, and who’ve identified the core features.
In our 15+ years of experience, starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) yields the best outcomes. This allows for quicker development and market launch. Functionality can then be iteratively built based on priority.
2️⃣ Agree on the timeline first
Software development is inherently complex. Unforeseen issues and evolving priorities can impact scope, hence, agreeing on a complete scope upfront can be problematic.
Instead, we recommend setting a timeframe and identifying achievable goals within each period. We typically use two-week sprints (Scrum framework), but this can be adjusted to client needs.
This approach acknowledges that not all features will be built immediately. New features and functionality are prioritized based on demand. For example, an e-commerce app might initially accept credit cards only, with later sprints adding PayPal based on user feedback.
3️⃣ Expect ongoing negotiation
Defining everything upfront creates challenges. Iterative development requires prioritizing features based on business and customer needs. This requires ongoing negotiation.
For example, a login page might initially require an email and password. Later, two-factor authentication may be needed. A rigid scope makes adapting to changing priorities difficult. An iterative approach allows for easier integration of new priorities into upcoming sprints.
A good offshore development partner listens to your goals and aligns development accordingly. Building everything at once isn’t realistic. There will be challenges and negotiation over sprint-specific tasks. Iterative development thrives on continuous collaboration; communication breakdowns are a red flag.
4️⃣ Seek a more consultative approach
Offshore software development companies specialize in this domain. Choose one with relevant experience who can offer valuable insights to steer development in the right direction.
A good partner will help identify and define milestones within the agreed timeframe. For instance, user onboarding could be the first milestone, followed by registration and login, and then core functionality. However, if they lack expertise in your specific field, clear communication is essential to manage the learning curve impact on development time.
5️⃣ Focus on core functionality
Developing iteratively allows for early product releases and incremental improvements. This means early versions will be incomplete, focusing on core functionality to provide a solid foundation for future development.
Building a complete product before release can be wasteful. Releasing in stages allows for quality control and adaptation to changing priorities. From a marketing perspective, it can also build user anticipation and excitement.
An additional benefit is user feedback. Releasing a minimal product allows users to request new features, influencing future development. This shift empowers users to drive product development based on actual needs, not assumptions.
Scope out success with Proshore
Resist the urge for a complete product before market launch. This approach significantly delays release and risks product failure. Agree on a general scope and key milestones with your offshore partner, allowing development to be guided by real customer needs.
Remember, the best software development focuses on building functionality with the most value for both your customers and your business. Invest in building a quality product that meets user needs, not features they don’t require.
Don’t waste time and resources — build a winning software product by leveraging proven dedicated software development teams for successful offshore development 👇
