Why it’s taking your development team so long to do something so simple
Picture this: you've got a brilliant piece of software in the works that will revolutionise how your business operates. The only problem? The development process is moving at a pace that makes a snail look like a sports car. Why's that?
At Scryla, we understand the frustrations that come with a sluggish development pace. We design our Fractional CTO services to simplify, speed up, and refine your development journey. Let's look at some common hurdles and how you can overcome them.
The legacy code conundrum
One major roadblock that could be slowing your development team down is technical debt and legacy code. It's like trying to build a skyscraper on a foundation made of crumbling bricks. Legacy code, often lacking proper documentation and structure, needs careful unravelling and, at times, extensive revising – a time-consuming process that slows progress.
We use our expertise to guide teams through the intricate process of updating and restructuring, paving the way for a smoother and more efficient development journey.
The significance of detailed user stories
Ever heard the phrase, "the devil's in the detail"? Well, when it comes to user stories, nothing could be more accurate. A lack of detailed user stories can lead to misinterpretations and, ultimately, features that miss the mark.
Detailed user stories that vividly explain the feature's purpose, user role, and expected outcome are the key to success. Getting these stories right from the start guarantees your development team will work clearly and purposefully.
Accuracy is key. Imagine building a bridge based on inaccurate blueprints – disastrous, right? The same principle applies to software development. Inaccurate user stories can send your team down a rabbit hole of rework and revisions, consuming precious time and resources.
Whoever is working to create your technology product must understand that consistency in user stories isn't just a nicety – it's a necessity. Inconsistent formats and language can lead to confusion, uneven prioritisation, and difficulty tracking progress.
Prioritisation and scope management
Not all features are created equal - prioritise them based on business value and impact. This strategic approach will help you manage scope effectively and ensure critical functionalities take centre stage.
By avoiding the pitfall of poor prioritisation, your development team can focus on delivering the most important features first, preventing unnecessary delays and keeping your project on a swift and successful path.
The two C's – communication and collaboration
Have you ever played the game of broken telephone? You pass messages from one person to the other, and usually, messages get tangled along the way, leading to confusion. The same happens when communication and collaboration between your development team and senior leaders are lacking and unclear.
Through facilitated meetings, comprehensive documentation, and collaborative tools, you can ensure everyone – from project owners to developers – is on the same page. This prevents misunderstandings, reduces delays, and ensures that features meet expectations.
Feedback loops and revisions
With a proper feedback loop, your project can stay on course. Make sure you implement effective feedback mechanisms, allowing developers to clarify requirements and stakeholders to review progress.
This process keeps your project on track and reduces the likelihood of lots of revisions that could lead to delays. It's about staying agile and responding to evolving needs.
Visibility and transparency
A lack of visibility in your development process can lead to unrealistic expectations and frustration among stakeholders.
Use project management tools, dashboards, and regular updates to inform everyone about progress and challenges, creating a realistic understanding of the project's dynamics.
Requirement validation
Before you embark on the development journey, you must confirm requirements with all stakeholders. If you don't, there's a risk that you'll build unused or unwanted features.
You need a meticulous validation process, ensuring everyone is on the same page before development kicks off. It's about building what matters and avoiding unnecessary detours.
So, why is it taking your development team so long to do something seemingly simple? The answer often lies in the intricacies of legacy code, unclear user stories, and a need for more effective communication. Scryla Consultancy's Fractional CTO services offer a tailored solution, guiding your business through these challenges with expertise, clarity, and efficiency. It's time to simplify your development process, accelerate progress, and ensure that your product isn't just built but built right.