Custom software development is actually pretty straightforward. Generally speaking the way we develop a custom software is to meet and discuss the project, create a proposal, if necessary amend the proposal, and then start building; quite simple.
Where things do get a little complicated is how we approach the build. Do we just create the whole software in one go, or do we launch bits of it over time? While launching everything at once might sound better, what if the project requirements change halfway through the building process? Conversely what if you know what the final goal of the software is but don't know how to get there?
All of these considerations can affect multiple aspects of the project, including the development time and final costs. This is why the approach we take to software development is as important as how we go about building the final product.
The Fixed-fee Project Approach To Software Development
This very straight forward approach to development occurs when both parties have a clear understanding of what software needs to be built and what the final product needs to look like.
- Project Kickoff: Occurring after all the initial planning and talks. This stage is when both parties agree on the objectives of the job.
- Architecture and Design: The first real work starts and the foundations for the custom software are set up. The setting up process usually works by installing developer tools such as Gravit-e Core. Once the necessary components have been integrated the actual work can being.
- Development: This stage is when the custom software is built to the objectives agreed upon earlier.
- Testing and QA: Once all major development has finished the software is then run through a series of tests to ensure that the final product works.
- Delivery: Here is when the client get their hands on their new software.
- Support: Most developers, and all good ones, will be available to help with any problems or questions that might come up after the project is officially done.
This approach is really great as it forces the developer and client to really flush out every objective, because once work starts any changes are difficult to incorporate. This is why fixed-fee projects tend to have shorter development times, are smaller in scope, and more often than not cheaper.
However, sometimes it is not possible to plan out every single component. For that we have a second approach which solves this fixed problem. It is a method that allows us as developers to build with more flexibility called the variable-cost method, but that's a discussion for the second part.
Are You Interested In What A Fixed-Fee Type Of Project Looks Like? Contact Us And We'll Send You A Set Of Case Studies With Some Fine Examples.