Implementing new technology, be it a mobile app, complex AR/VR application, backend system or anything else, is challenging to say the least. Software development can be challenging, especially if you are not as fluent in it as you’d like to be. As a result, finding the right technology partner you can trust can make or break your project.
As the all-encompassing war on talent continues to grow, the discovery and selection process for the perfect developer can seem overwhelming. Having the information that you need will help you compare quotes effectively, secure approvals and ensure your project’s ongoing health and ultimate success. But what should you be looking for in your evaluations?
When shopping for the right development partner, below are four things to keep in mind:
Defining Your Scope
You must know exactly what you want. Any written project description you can provide will ensure that the developer provides a scope based on the requirements. The right conversations will help refine your project description. Once the scope is defined, make sure it includes all feasible options, challenges and workaround decisions considered ahead of time. Ensure that your scope and expectations are clearly documented as it goes through revisions. A well-defined scope will also help avoid scope creep and make sure you secure the best value. You want a partner who can not only deliver an MVP but is also aligned with your long-term goals and vision.
Understanding the Technical Nuances of Your Required Skills
If you are not technical or if you are building a new product, it can be hard to understand the more complex components. Here is where you need your development partner to walk you through the technological choices that will be made on your behalf and the process behind bringing your project to life. Make sure that the partner you are working with demonstrates a fluent understanding of your industry, potential roadblocks that you may encounter and solutions available to you.
Relevant Experience
Most projects require a team with a diverse set of skills and expertise. If a development firm has experience working on similar projects, it will be able to identify and avoid potential risks more accurately. It is important that your partner has the competence and depth of experience to understand both the technical and business considerations of your project. Ask for case studies on similar projects and client testimonials. Established companies with long-term employees typically have more defined processes and risk mitigation strategies.
Cost vs Quality
Regardless of how comparable the project scope and estimates of hours/effort are, prices quoted can vary wildly between companies. Project cost can depend on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the company, where the development team is based, whether you will be billed at a flat or an hourly rate or a blended or role-specific rate, the number of resources assigned to your project, inclusions and exceptions made in the scope and many other factors. While it can be tempting to go with the company that offers the lowest price, it is good to weigh costs with other aspects that determine the ultimate quality of your product.
The goal of choosing the right development partner goes beyond the project alone. An ideal partner is one who understands the larger mission of your company, is aligned with your future goals and collaborates with you as a ‘partner in crime’ to achieve these goals and realize your vision. As in any relationship, a strong developer relationship is characterized by transparency and trust in all aspects of project development, efficient ongoing communication and clarity around expectations at every stage.