Just like that pre-mountain hike research you do (weather patterns, difficulty level, which snacks to pack), the Discovery Phase is about gathering information to avoid a project disaster. According to McKinsey & Company, 45% of large IT projects go over budget, and that's often because the foundation wasn't set properly. The Discovery Phase is your chance to map out the terrain, identify potential hazards and ensure everyone involved is on the same page.
Here's a basic roadmap for your Discovery Phase expedition:
- Defining the basecamp: This means figuring out your project goals and objectives. What are you trying to achieve? What problem are you solving?
- Assembling the team: You need the right people on board, everyone needs to understand the project's purpose.
- Gathering supplies (Information): We will conduct some workshops, alongside an Arhitect, Business Analyst, UI/UX and Project Manager, in order to define the purpose and objectives, and identify any potential risks or challenges. This is where you figure out if your mountain even exists, or if it's just a giant mirage.
- Planning the ascend: Here, we'll outline the project roadmap, including high-level architecture, prioritized backlog, timeline, and budget to have a clear picture of the project. But unlike a mountain climb where the path is pretty fixed, the Discovery Phase is all about flexibility and adaptation based on the information you gather.
- Refining: The Discovery Phase is an iterative process. We'll continuously seek your feedback throughout this process to ensure we're on the right path. Once everything is finalized, we'll present the refined results and comprehensive documentation – your essential gear for a successful project summit.
By investing in the Discovery Phase, you'll transform your goal into a clear vision for your project's climb. You'll have a well-equipped team, a detailed roadmap, and the flexibility to adapt as needed. This sets you on the path to conquering your project Everest, not getting lost in the foothills of uncertainty.
You can find out more about the Discovery Phase from our eBook.