What to expect when you partner with Basecode on your software development project
A software development project comprises multiple phases - and typically takes several months in all. Each project commences with two strategy phases: the Discovery Phase and the Design Phase. These are then followed by three implementation phases: the Engineering Phase, the Deployment Phase, and the Maintenance Phase.
Each phase builds on those prior and culminates in a fully functional software product. Strong project management, teamwork, and communication facilitate smooth and efficient transitions from one phase to the next.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect during each project phase:
1. Discovery Phase
Every project begins with a discovery phase. This is the most important phase, because alignment is created with the business model, value proposition, and operational processes. It usually takes about one month.
The project strategy will differ depending on whether the project is greenfield or built onto an existing product. Risk factors, investment size, and internal support structures are evaluated, and a validation of the market and value proposition is confirmed
A full 14-point business model assessment is conducted to examine the viability of the project. At the end of the discovery phase a playbook of insights, key findings, and strategies is delivered, along with a set of implementation options.
2. Design Phase
The design phase is where the strategy begins to translate into tactics. Questions around what the product will look like and how it will be used are examined. A full design framework is built, starting with a blockframe visualizing the user experience.
The blockframe is then fleshed out into a full wireframe which considers the user experience from all perspectives. Next, an interactive low-fidelity prototype is created, including images, graphics, and other brand elements.
Finally, a high-fidelity prototype is constructed with near-final content. Design specs with precise measurements are created for all different device types, which will be used by the engineering team during the coding process.
3. Engineering Phase
Now that the strategy phases are complete, the implementation phases commence. The first and most important part of the engineering phase is the creation of the system architecture, including all databases and integrations.
Next, data modeling is conducted to determine which data will be captured, and which data will be accessible to users. Integrations are set up to link subsystems together, including any desired third-party integrations. This includes planning and building APIs. Tools are put in place for system monitoring and logging.
The deployment pipeline is set up, including environments for development, staging, pre-production, and production. Mock data and users are added into the staging environment, and a copy of the real data is used in the pre-production environment. A master release goes into production, and fixing production bugs becomes a top priority.
4. Deployment Phase
The deployment phase marks the point where the system transitions into the customer's hands. Final safety nets are put in place, and final verifications and approvals are sought from all stakeholders.
The last review of what production will look like is conducted, and builds are submitted to Google or Apple as applicable for native apps. Any necessary legal review is also conducted at this point to ensure compliance with relevant policies.
5. Maintenance Phase
After deployment, ongoing maintenance is essential to keep the system running smoothly and safely. Customer feedback is collected in order to optimize functionality and correct any operational issues.
Timely security updates are vital, as each system element has unavoidable vulnerabilities. Additional periodic updates are also conducted to help the system operate more efficiently, effectively and reliably.
Data snapshots are taken at regular intervals in order to archive and backup data. And simple development additions are rolled out as appropriate.
Are you ready to get started?
Do you want to build your new software product with an experienced team using a thoroughly vetted workflow based on industry best practices? Contact us to learn more about how we can help you design, build and launch a successful product.