Product development: phases and models. What to choose?

The development of a quality product begins with the definition of the life cycle. This is a clear plan of action that allows you to understand what should happen, how to achieve the result, and what methods to use. The methodology of software product development is proven methods and practices that allow you to make a digital product correctly and well. There are several varieties of proven techniques by which programs and applications are made. And if you are looking for a software product development company, check https://otakoyi.software/services/software-product-development. Their team is definitely well-aware of how to follow the needed steps and methods to put your ideas into practice.

Regardless of which product development methodology is chosen, it is crucial to follow the basic stages of creating any digital product. Depending on the chosen technique, the stages may change, and different approaches can be used, but the principle remains the same.

The main steps of software product development can be defined as follows:

1. Requirements analysis.

First, the idea is studied. It is important to understand what the client wants to receive, how they see their future product, and what problems it should solve. It allows you to form an idea and evaluate its prospects. Further, industry, competitors, similar products on the market, target audience, and opportunities are examined, and a number of analytical studies are carried out, allowing one to understand how to turn an idea into a working and feasible product.

2. Product designing.

A plan of action is drawn up, and an actual project is created, which allows already at this stage to see how the product will look and how it will be implemented. The design of the elements is precisely taken into account, the structure is rigorously thought out, and the architecture of the program is created. Afterward, it is possible to create a technical task for developers.

3. Development and programming.

Designers start creating the external part of the application and UX development. They create modules, and connections of components, think through the complete structure and create a layout. Developers decode this into a working tool using their chosen technology stack (which is defined at an early phase). At this stage of software product development, a finished product is obtained that can be implemented in business documentation. The point is to describe each and every action, as well as user guidance. The documentation describes in detail the basic principles of the program and its functionality.

4. Testing.

When the program is ready, it undergoes thorough testing. The methodology of product development determines test options and methods of evaluating the effectiveness of the development. If bugs are found during testing, they are immediately fixed. A system for further evaluation of the program’s performance is also being developed. The areas that developers check include functionality, marketing delivery, navigation, security, system, user acceptance, and interoperability, as well as continuous integration on the whole.

5. Release and support.

As soon as the product has undergone all the tests, it is released into the market. Employees are being trained, and the technical team will provide all the necessary support. If there is none, you can order a full support service and be sure that the software product works smoothly and without failures. The best way is to hire your development partner for this maintenance as they know your product through its length and breadth.

What methodology to choose?

Agile

The agile software development methodology is a great solution for creating a product that is not fully formed in its idea. The main idea of this approach is that the customer can immediately observe changes in development and adjust actions. This is possible thanks to the definition of sprints – segments in which tasks are performed. During the discussion, goals are set, the segment time is determined, and the developers complete the tasks. Then there is a discussion, changes are made, and a new segment is assigned.

If the project is configured for a long life cycle and must have adaptability to changes in the market, the Agile method is perfect. It allows you to adapt to the requirements and make corrections.

Waterfall

This is a classic model that was used at the dawn of development and continues to be actively used today. Its principle of operation is quite simple: each subsequent stage is performed only when the previous one is completely finalized. There is a clear division of steps, and the technology occurs as if in a cascade, gradually descending from the first to the last.

It clearly defines the timing of each stage. However, this method is suitable only for projects that are clearly described. There is a complete understanding of what is being created, for what purposes, and what requirements are set.

You can use this approach if you have a detailed prototype or an existing program. In addition, the cascade model should be used when working with government institutions, where it is essential to prepare reports strictly, adhere to the schedule and not deviate from the initially set plan.

Iterative

The essence of the iterative software development methodology is to create basic functionality and gradually improve it. The iterative methodology can be compared to a puzzle, where all the elements are obtained and gradually assembled into a single picture. An iterative model is a sketch of an artist who first makes a drawing with a pencil, then picks up paints, and then draws details and creates a picture.

This method is suitable for large projects, where the main tasks are defined, and there is a general idea of ​​what should come out. But at the same time, the details are not clear, and it is not completely clear how this or that function will work. Social networks, for example, are developed using this method. The general functionality is precise, but the number of functions and capabilities is not fully defined. This approach allows you to add components and improve existing ones gradually.

We have described the most common ones. Nevertheless, there are many other methodologies to choose from:

• Incremental
• Spiral
• V-model
• RAD (rapid application development)
• DevOps
• DSDM (dynamic systems development model)
• XP (extreme programming)
• and others.

In a nutshell

These are the main stages of software product development. Each stage is a set of activities that allows the creation of a business product. Depending on the selected methodology, they can change, go through cycles or be flexible. This is the main task of choosing a method – to determine the most effective and rational way of creating a product.

We suggest you pop up to the Otakoyi office or call and arrange a consultation. You may discuss your idea and together decide how to implement it, which stages to follow, and what methods to apply so that a high-quality digital product for your business can conquer customers’ hearts.