Mobile App Discovery

A well-planned strategy is the key to creating an amazing app.

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Jacob Dahl of team Onsharp provides an overview of the app development process.

Plan for Success

Maximize ROI and User Satisfaction

A survey by GoodFirms found that 57.7% of mobile app development failures are caused by poor planning and lack of focus on user needs. This doesn’t have to happen to you!

Every successful app development project begins with a solid plan. A detailed plan articulates your vision, determines your priorities, and dictates what resources you will need. Just like a construction project begins with a detailed blueprint, app development begins with our Discovery process. 

The Why

Why is Discovery so Important?

Building an app without a well-planned strategy is like constructing a house without using an architect or blueprint. Just like with building your dream home, embarking on a development project without a comprehensive plan can be a costly mistake.

At Onsharp, we approach app development with the same level of care and precision as a master home builder. Our team of expert architects and designers work with you to design an app that aligns with your business goals and delivers tangible results.

By leveraging our Discovery process, you can avoid costly delays, minimize risks, and ensure that your new app not only meets, but exceeds your expectations.

Let us help you build an app that will transform your business and drive success in today’s dynamic marketplace.

The Process

What is the Discovery Process Like?

In our Discovery process, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Discovery is individualized, modular, and comprised of different workshops.

Discovery Process Graphic

Having an individualized or modular model means workshops can be added or subtracted depending on what’s needed. This way, subject matter experts can be brought in on an as-needed basis.  

After the process is complete, you’ll get a final project scope and estimate so you have a clear understanding of the full project and actionable next steps.  

Our Workshops

The different workshops and activities within each module make the process as fun and efficient as possible while focusing on the primary purpose of determining project requirements.

After these workshops are complete you’ll have a ­final project scope and cost estimate so you have a full understanding of the entire project from start to ­finish.

List of Workshops

Length: 90 minutes

Goals:

  1. Introduce teams
  2. Define roles and responsibilities
  3. Establish goals
  4. Set expectations for project success

Summary

The kickoff meeting is an opportunity for both teams to establish clear communication channels, set expectations, and define roles and responsibilities. By creating a shared understanding of the project’s scope, timeline, and goals, the development team can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards a common goal.

During this meeting, we will take the time to listen and learn about your business, and will ask detailed questions to gather as much information as possible.

The purpose of gathering this information is to determine a proper timeline for the Discovery project and identify the number of additional workshops required to successfully complete the project.

Length: 60-90 minutes (each)

Goal: Define specific app features and functionality

Summary

These workshops are designed to provide a collaborative space for our teams to identify and define the features, functionality, and integrations that your app will need.

During the workshop, your team will collaborate closely with us. Together, we will aim to understand the user requirements, define the app’s features, and identify the necessary technology components to deliver the desired functionality.

The purpose of these workshops is to ensure that the app’s features and functionality align with your business needs and objectives. By taking the time to thoroughly explore your business goals and user requirements, our team can create a comprehensive and customized plan for the app development process that maximizes efficiency, minimizes risk, and delivers a high-quality product that meets your needs.

Length: 60 minutes

Goal: Ensure brand identity and consistency within the app

Summary

This workshop is designed to provide a collaborative space for our teams to identify and define your brand and design expectations for your app project.

During the workshop, your team will work closely with us to understand your brand identity, define your design expectations, and identify the themes or custom designs that will be needed to deliver the visual identity you want.

The purpose of this workshop is to ensure that the app’s design aligns with your brand identity and visual expectations. By taking the time to thoroughly explore your brand identity and design requirements, our team can create a comprehensive and customized plan for the app development process that maximizes efficiency, minimizes risk, and delivers a high-quality product that reflects your brand.

Length: 1-2 hours

Goal: Develop a strategy and plan for content development

Summary

In this workshop, our teams work together to develop a comprehensive content strategy for your app.

Our teams work together to identify and define the audience for your app, review existing content, identify gaps in content, and determine who will be responsible for developing the different pieces of content that are needed.

The primary goal of this workshop is to ensure that your app’s content aligns with your brand identity, resonates with your target audience, and meets their needs. By exploring your brand identity, target audience, and content requirements, the development team can create a comprehensive content plan that maximizes efficiency, minimizes risk, and delivers a high-quality product that reflects your brand and provides exceptional value to your target audience.

The deliverables that come out of these workshops may include content outlines, content calendars, and content development guidelines. These deliverables serve as a reference for our team, ensuring that everyone is working towards a common content development goal and delivering a high-quality app that aligns with your brand identity and provides exceptional value to your target audience.

Length: 60-90 minutes

Goal: Determine app architecture and technology stack

Summary

Architecture workshops are an essential component of the app discovery process. These workshops are designed to provide a collaborative space for our teams to identify and define the appropriate technology architecture for your app project.

During the workshop, your team will work with the us to define the technology stack, infrastructure, and system architecture that will support your app’s functionality, performance, and scalability.

The purpose of these workshops is to ensure that the app’s technical architecture aligns with your business needs, existing technologies, and overall vision for the project.

Length: 60 minutes (each)

Goal: Determine design elements, visual theme, and user interface features for your app

Summary

The Design Workshop focuses on creating a seamless and engaging user experience for your app.

During this workshop, our teams work together to identify and define your design and user experience expectations for the app. Our goal is to ensure that the app’s design aligns with your brand identity, while also delivering an exceptional user experience that meets the needs of your target audience.

The purpose of these workshops is to collaborate with your team to define and identify the necessary design elements, visual themes, and user interface features needed for your app. By exploring your brand identity and design requirements, the development team can create a comprehensive plan that maximizes efficiency, minimizes risk, and delivers a high-quality product that reflects your brand and provides a superior user experience.

Length: 60-90 minutes

Goal: Provide a detailed scope, budget, and timeline for app development

Summary

The Scope Presentation marks the end of the Discovery phase. During this meeting, our team presents a comprehensive scope, timeline, and budget for app development and launch.

In this presentation, we will go over every detail of the project and ensure that all of your requirements are accounted for. We will also provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the entire app development process, including development, testing, revisions, launch, and post-launch support.

During the presentation, we will review the project scope, budget, and timeline, providing you with a detailed overview of each aspect of the project.

The goal of the Scope Presentation is to ensure that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of the project’s scope, budget, and timeline, and that everyone is aligned and on the same page.

Once the presentation is complete, we can move forward with the Develop and Deliver phases, confident that we have all the necessary information and that we are moving in the right direction to create a successful app that meets your business objectives.

Collaboration at Onsharp

You can help shorten the timeline…

The speed at which we can take your project through discovery depends greatly on how well you understand your goals and objectives.

Download our App Discovery Readiness Guide to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Timeline

How Long Does the Process Take?

It depends, but typically 4-8 weeks.

Discovery is the most critical phase of the app development process and it sets the foundation for the entire project. We take the time to do it right.

While we aim to complete the discovery process as efficiently as possible, the time required to complete it can vary depending on several factors.

To ensure that we deliver a successful app that meets all of your business objectives and requirements, we recommend that the discovery process be given the appropriate amount of time it needs. We understand that time is of the essence, but skipping or rushing through the discovery process could lead to costly mistakes and delays down the line.

Ready to get started?

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