The success of a digital project depends on more than just the idea or the technology employed. It's also essential to anticipate the customer's needs, and to clearly define the project's specifics. That's why drawing up specifications is not just a formality, but a key to success.
It's therefore important to include the framework, which is a key element to be defined at the very start of the project. It lays the foundations for the development of the mobile application or platform.
At Le Backyard, this scoping phase is based on a methodological pillar, structured around 3 key elements: co-creation workshops, wireframe modeling and backlog writing.
I. Co-creation workshops
On paper, a prospect with a clear vision of his product's functionalities is perfect. But in reality, this is far from systematic. The same applies to organization and user paths. So you need to think things through beforehand!
1. Organization of scoping meetings and sketching workshops
Even if a prospect has already thought long and hard about his product, there are bound to be aspects he hasn't considered. That's why Le Backyard, with its many years of experience, always takes the lead with an advice phase.
Our team then tries to obtain a clearer vision of the functionalities, product architecture and user paths to be integrated.
This co-creation process takes the form of scoping meetings and sketching workshops. During these sessions, our experts work with prospects to define a number of points, in order to obtain a clear, shared vision of the product to be designed, notably through :
- mapping of main functionalities ;
- defining user paths ;
- identify business, technical and regulatory constraints.
2. Visual materialization of ideas
Our team makes sure that ideas don't just remain better formulated ideas. That's why we offer sketching workshops. They help to materialize ideas.
This visual approach makes it easier to validate choices, avoid misunderstandings and create a common language between prospect and project team.
Even if co-creation workshops already provide a great deal of value, we still need to rely on concrete tools to effectively structure the scoping phase.
II. Drawing up wireframes
Wireframes are indispensable tools forclearly defining the hierarchy of information and navigation, as well as the overall user experience, which is why they are so important.
1. What is a wireframe?
A wireframe is a low-fidelity functional model that translates an idea into a concrete interface. It can be used to :
- define information hierarchy and navigation logic ;
- identify the location of CTAs, forms, menus, etc;
- test the ergonomics and overall coherence of the user experience.
2. A tool for communication and validation with the customer
In fact, wireframes are also a great medium for exchange between the teams and the customer. At Le Backyard, the development phase necessarily begins once all the wireframes have been validated, thus guaranteeing a shared vision of the finaluser experience (UX).
Even if the idea of the product becomes clearer with the wireframes, one step remains essential: defining the interaction rules and functionalities associated with each interface element.
III. Writing the backlog
Once the wireframes have been validated, the backlog needs to be formalized in detail before progress can be made on the rest of the project.
1. What is the backlog?
The backlog is the functional translation of the project. It isan exhaustive list of all the project's functionalities and user storiesThese are user scenarios that describe in concrete and precise terms the possible actions to be taken on the product.
- Focus on user stories
User stories describe an action that the user wants to perform on the mobile application or web platform. To respond to the user's wishes, we decide on as many possibilities as possible to enable them to carry out their action, within reasonable limits, of course.
For example, if it wants to connect to a platform, it will be offered various options, such as an email field with password, a Facebook connection with the Facebook API, or the same for Google.
In short, each functionality is broken down, described and prioritized according to its business value. This makes it possible to clearly define what needs to be developed (and in what order), and to identify friction points or dependencies.
2. Excel spreadsheet or agile management tool
At Le Backyard, the backlog is generally written on an Excel sheet , with entries corresponding to user stories. Collaborative models using agile management tools are also possible, depending on the customer's level of maturity.
IV. Formalization in specifications
A specification is a document that clearly describes the needs, objectives, expected functionalities and constraints of a project. It is a common reference between the customer and the service providers to ensure that the project runs smoothly.
It is therefore crucial to integrate wireframes and the backlog into this document, which enables :
- understand the scope of the project in detail;
- estimate the resources required ;
- check its ability to deliver on time.
If the service provider accepts the assignment, this document also serves as a management tool: in the event of change, it provides a clear benchmark for measuring the impact of evolving requirements.
A solid framework upstream of project development is always welcome, as it avoids potential future mistakes that can be costly in both time and money. It also provides a good basis for optimal communication between prospects and development partners.
Sidebar: Starting block to help you get started
Le Backyard is well aware that, on the customer side, it's sometimes difficult to clearly express your needs when designing a digital product. That's why we offer Starting Block, a service designed to get your project off to a good start.
During this intensive, tailor-made consulting workshop, our experts help startups and SMEs to build the foundations of their project quickly. The result: you get a precise quote and a reliable schedule, while benefiting from the recommendations of a well-informed team.
In short, at Le Backyard, the listening, structuring and formalization phase is key. If you'd like to create a mobile app or a website, or any other digital product, Le Backyard looks forward to hearing about your idea. Fill in our form to tell us more!
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