Top Questions to Ask Before Starting a Software Project

When a business needs a new software solution to improve their operations, there are a lot of aspects to figure out before starting. If you ever found yourself in this situation, you probably felt a bit overwhelmed at some point with all the decisions that needed to be made, and making sure the project went in the right direction.

Most businesses choose to collaborate with custom software development teams to create their own software, instead of hiring in-house developers. If you haven’t done a software development project before, you might be wondering what are the correct steps to follow to find and collaborate successfully with a software development team. Where do you even start? And how do you avoid the common mistakes others make?

The good news is that you can get it right the first time around with our help. Choosing the right team is the first step, but for this, there are some key questions to ask yourself before starting the software project. Let’s see which are those!

Why Preparation Matters

Starting a software development project with proper preparation can save you a lot of headaches. When you plan ahead, it’s likely that you’ll get the results you want out of the project. 

The truth is, a little preparation goes a long way. 

It’s okay if you don’t have every little detail figured out—that’s what your software development team is for—but understanding your goals, challenges, and priorities before starting will make a big difference. It will also help your team build a product that suits your needs. This is a good way to avoid misunderstandings, overspending, and it also helps you save time.

It’s a little like laying the foundation for a house. A strong groundwork will make the rest of the process easier. So, before you get started with your software project, make sure you ask yourself some key questions to get clear on what you exactly need. You’ll thank yourself later.

Key Questions to Ask

So, you’re ready to get started on your software development project? That’s exciting! But before diving in, there are some important questions you should figure out the answer to. Starting without clear software project planning might take you to the finish line, but the end product will not be as functional as you hoped, or it might lack some important features. Asking the right questions will help you save time and money, and you will end up with software that perfectly fits your needs. 

What problem am I trying to solve?

Start here. This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many projects get stuck because the “why” isn’t clear. To figure this out, think about what is not working, what slows down your processes, or what is holding your business back. Are you doing lots of manual tasks that are repetitive and take up a lot of time? Automating these tasks could be a solution. Or maybe your customers are not happy with outdated systems. Whatever the main issue might be, defining it clearly will help your development team offer the best solution for it. 

Who will use the software?

This is another important question that you need to know the answer to. Is the software product for your internal team, or maybe your customers? Each of those groups has different needs and expectations. For example, if the software is meant for your internal team, it’s a good idea to create something that is easy to use and intuitive for everyone, so they don’t spend a lot of time trying to figure it out. The same goes for customer-oriented software as well, but with a clean and pleasant design that keeps people engaged. Whoever your target audience might be, make sure to talk to your internal team or maybe gather feedback from your clients and customers—after all, they’re the ones who will be using it day-to-day.

What’s my budget and timeline?

Be upfront about your budget and timeline from the very beginning. Let your development team know if you have a specific date you want the software to be ready for. These two aspects should be discussed in your initial consultation with your development team. The same goes for budget planning—be realistic. Prioritize and plan your product according to your budget. Ask your development team for advice and help in finding the right balance so you get the best result without overextending yourself.

Will this software need to integrate with other tools?

Many businesses have already some tools and systems in place—like a CRM, accounting software, or inventory they rely on. When building new software for your business, make sure to discuss with your development team all the other software your company uses. This way they can create your product to integrate with all of your existing tools easily. 

What does success look like for me?

Picture the end result and try to define what success will look like for your software product. Maybe it’s less manual work for your internal team, or improving customer satisfaction with better processes and design. It can also be growing your revenue or scaling your business with ease. When you manage to define what success means to you, make sure to share it with your development team, so everyone can stay aligned and focus on achieving your goals.

These questions might feel a bit basic at first, but addressing them before starting your software project will be super helpful when it comes to achieving success. Make sure to go over them and share everything with your development team, so they understand your business needs and can offer the best solutions for your pain points.

Additional Tips for a Successful Start

After answering all the key questions, you’re ready to start the project. Now, let’s make sure you set yourself (and your project) up for success. We have some additional tips for you to get started. 

1. Get your team on board early

This comes with many advantages, especially if your internal team will be the one using the software. Share your plans with them, and ask for their input. Encourage them to share their ideas for features they need or pain points they want to fix. 

2. Start small and grow from there

Many businesses make the mistake of getting too many features and solutions from the start. But starting small is smarter. Prioritize the most important features first. These are the features that will make the biggest impact on your business. Once those are up and running, you can add more, depending on your needs. 

3. Stay flexible (things might change)

Even when you have the best plan and strategy in place, software projects can take unexpected turns. Maybe you realize you want an additional feature that wasn’t in the plan initially. That’s totally normal! It’s important to stay flexible and to be open to changes and tweaks. Work closely with your development team, and offer feedback. Also, keep communication open, so you end up with software you like. 

4. Keep the lines of communication open.

Speaking of communication—it’s key. During the IT project planning and development phase, be ready for many questions from your development team. They will probably also want your input on a few things, so make sure you stay involved. If you’re not sure of something, make sure to ask. Clear communication is the base of good collaboration. 

5. Think about the future, not just today

Yes, solving today’s problems with your software is important. But it’s worth looking into your long-term goals and plans. The software you’re building right now should be able to extend as your business grows or changes. Think about what possible features you might need, or if the software will be able to handle an increasing number of users. A good development team will create software with scalability in mind. 

Conclusion

It’s understandable if you find starting a new software project from scratch a little bit overwhelming. Keep in mind that with good IT project planning, asking the right questions, and working with a good software development team, your chances for success will be significantly higher. 

Think of it as a partnership, and make sure to stay involved during the development phase. Your feedback and input are very important for your team. 

Take it step-by-step, plan your next steps, and get started on your project—because a well-built software solution can really make a difference for your business.