Appstem Discovery Process

A clear strategic vision is the backbone to any digital project, assuring that work gets done efficiently, meets all requirements and comes in on budget. It may sound straightforward, but getting to that vision is a critical first step to any project. And though it may not be the most fun or glamorous part of the project, it’s the best way to reduce risks, avoid costly mistakes and deliver a final product that meets – or exceeds – client expectations.

Appstem is rolling out a new process to assure both our clients and our entire team - including design and development - have a shared understanding of the project. Who is the audience we’re trying to reach? What are the technical requirements? Do we agree on a timeline? Are we aligned on budget? Our aim is to establish these goals and agree on milestones at the outset of working together. Our new Discovery Workshops are designed to create a product roadmap for the entire development process to assure that our creative team, project managers and the clients are aligned on the timeline, budget and deliverables at the very beginning.

Planning has always been a part of our DNA, but with the rollout of Discovery Workshops, we are bringing our clients closer to the process. This added step is designed to make sure both teams are able to manage expectations and can be nimble to respond to unexpected changes throughout the product development lifecycle. Our collective team will have a clear idea of what defines success from the outset.

The Discovery Workshop will:

·      Establish goals of the project

·      Define the problem

·      Define the audience / end user

·      Outline project costs

·      Outline project timelines and deadlines

·      Develop project strategy

·      Create project roadmap

While planning ahead might sound dull, taking the time to fully scope a project in advance pays off later. The roadmap will assure that there is strategic alignment with your business strategy, efficient use of time and resources and clear communication between our team and yours. The roadmap is also designed to keep costs in line and risks to a minimum. In other words – there are no surprises once the project is underway. 

We understand that once you’ve decided to move forward with a new app, you want to roll up your sleeves and get started right away. We do too! But the value comes from taking a deliberate step back, surveying the big picture and making sure our teams are aligned on a project’s goals and overall strategic vision. The Discovery Workshop is a critical first step in our collaboration that helps assure our partnership will produce a successful outcome for your business.

Appstem is here to solve real world problems with strategic digital solutions. Let us work with your team to find and create the most creative and efficient product for your unique needs. Contact us at hello@appstem.com to get started.