In various fields, projects often begin with a discovery phase. In this article, we will focus on IT projects and explore the characteristics of research work in this domain. We’ll also discuss when it's essential to include a discovery phase in your project.

Contents
  • Discovery Phase Purposes
  • Discovery Phase Deliverables
  • Is the Discovery Phase Necessary?
  • Discovery Phase Benefits
  • The Discovery Phase in Software Projects
  • The Discovery Phase in Firmware and Hardware Development
  • The Discovery Phase in IoT Projects
  • Our Approach to the Discovery Stage
  • Conclusion

Discovery Phase Purposes

Every project is unique, and finding the right approach to development is crucial. The discovery phase helps answer key questions such as: What’s the best way to bring your idea to life? How can you ensure success from the start? This initial stage sets the foundation for the entire project and determines its direction.

During the discovery phase, developers assess their capabilities, identify necessary resources, and gather all essential requirements. The goal is to create a product that aligns with user expectations and business goals.

This phase also involves planning how time and money will be spent. Outsourcing teams use this plan to keep the project transparent and aligned with client needs throughout the process.

Although every project is different, several factors influence the discovery phase:

  • Company involvement: The duration and depth of the discovery phase depend on where the project starts. It could be an initial evaluation of an idea, a deep dive into a specific part of the project, or a review of existing work.
  • IT services involved: The importance of the discovery phase varies depending on the service type. For example, software and machine learning projects are more flexible than hardware or firmware solutions, which may require more careful planning due to higher costs and complexity.
  • Budget: While the discovery phase adds to the project cost, it helps avoid future expenses by identifying potential issues early.

The initial steps of any project usually involve clarifying the customer's vision, aligning it with end-user needs, and conducting technical assessments to ensure the team has the right skills and tools.

Discovery Phase Deliverables

The outcome of the discovery phase typically includes a detailed report, system mock-ups, proof of concept, and technical documentation. These deliverables provide a clear roadmap for the project and help stakeholders understand what to expect.

A well-prepared discovery report outlines the findings, recommendations, and possible approaches for developing the solution. It gives the client confidence that the final product will meet their requirements within the allocated time and budget.

The main results of the Discovery Phase

Is the Discovery Phase Necessary?

The discovery phase is one of the most critical steps in product development, yet it's often misunderstood. Many clients see it as an unnecessary expense, while others skip it entirely, thinking they can save time and money.

However, the discovery phase helps uncover potential pitfalls, reduce risks, and optimize the project timeline and budget. Skipping it can lead to delays, increased costs, and even project failure.

  • Unplanned scope expansion
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Missed deadlines
  • Failure to meet project goals

Discovery Phase Benefits

By investing in the discovery phase, you set your project up for success. It provides clarity, reduces uncertainty, and ensures your team is fully prepared for the next stages.

  • Transparent and organized development process
  • Clear understanding of challenges and solutions
  • Protection of your budget through risk mitigation
  • Identification of alternative solutions
  • Creation of a prototype or proof of concept for visual validation
Benefits received upon Discovery Phase completion

In short, the discovery phase bridges the gap between your idea and its execution. Let’s explore how this bridge is built across different types of projects.

The Discovery Phase in Software Projects

The discovery phase varies depending on the type of project. For example, the software discovery phase differs significantly from the hardware or firmware discovery phase. Each has its own duration, deliverables, and team composition.

Software Discovery Phase

When working on software or machine learning projects, the first step is to collect all necessary business requirements. This helps the development team understand the core purpose of the software. Key points to consider include:

  • Who will use the software?
  • How will it be used after development?
  • What data will it process?
  • What output should it generate?
  • User stories and use cases

These elements form the foundation of the software design. After gathering this information, the team analyzes it and creates a requirement specification document that outlines the features and functionality needed to meet stakeholder expectations.

Deliverables from the software discovery phase may include:

  • UX mock-up or proof of concept
  • Requirement specification document
  • Use case and user story descriptions
The main aspects of Software Discovery Phase

For example, we conducted a discovery phase for a project involving LED matrix displays used for monitoring traffic conditions. Our team evaluated whether a mobile app or a web application would be more suitable for remote access and real-time data visualization.

We analyzed the compatibility of the LED displays with wireless protocols, compared the costs of mobile and web app development, and considered user preferences. Ultimately, we recommended a web-based solution for better scalability and performance.

Another important aspect in software development is defining user stories and use cases. These help guide the UI/UX design and ensure the application meets user expectations.

For instance, we worked on a Wi-Fi-enabled hot tub controller and created a mobile application that allows users to control the hot tub remotely. Through the discovery phase, we designed a user-friendly interface that made it easy for users to interact with the system.

The hot tub controller and its accompanying mobile application

Machine Learning Discovery Phase

In machine learning and AI-driven projects, selecting the right dataset is crucial. Equally important is clearly defining the problem the solution aims to solve.

During the discovery phase of a machine learning project, we determine:

  • The main objective of the project
  • Key features like accuracy, speed, and integration
  • Availability of input data and datasets
  • What problem the solution can address
  • Potential improvements for the model

We also incorporate insights from the software discovery phase. For example, we developed a fall detection system using computer vision algorithms for elderly care. The discovery phase helped us evaluate the feasibility of the project and define the necessary components.

We selected the appropriate number of depth cameras and determined the data required to train the model for tracking human movement and detecting falls. As a result, we created a proof of concept that demonstrated the system's potential for real-world use.

The Discovery Phase in Firmware and Hardware Development

Firmware and hardware development is less flexible than software, and changes can be costly and time-consuming. Therefore, the discovery phase is especially valuable for these types of projects.

Before starting development, we ask key questions such as:

  • What design constraints exist?
  • What problem does the hardware solve?
  • What market are we targeting?
  • Can we use existing technologies?
  • Which technologies are most suitable?
  • What changes might affect the project?
  • What features improve performance?
  • What parts are most challenging?
  • What software must the device communicate with?

These questions help identify the main constraints and opportunities for the project. One of our past projects involved developing a custom capacitive keyboard. Through the discovery phase, we evaluated different approaches and chose the most cost-effective and efficient solution.

The main aspects of firmware and hardware development process

We found that using discrete components was more effective than sensor ICs, as it met the customer’s requirements without compromising quality or cost-effectiveness.

The Discovery Phase in IoT Projects

IoT projects combine software, firmware, and hardware, making them complex and interconnected. Any change in one component affects the others, so it's crucial to plan carefully.

An IoT system consists of devices, sensors, databases, applications, and network services. Ensuring secure and stable communication between these components is vital. Choosing high-quality components early in the process can prevent costly redesigns later.

Upon completing the IoT discovery phase, you'll receive a report containing:

  • A detailed description of the IoT system's purpose and behavior
  • A list of necessary physical and virtual components
  • Information about the data flow in the system
  • Communication and storage options
  • A mock-up or proof of concept
  • Possible implementation strategies

For example, we conducted a discovery phase for an IoT system that allows remote monitoring of recreational vehicle equipment. We selected the right MCU, sensors, and power supply components, and designed a mock-up of the software solution with mobile and web apps.

This discovery phase helped our customers make informed decisions and move forward confidently with their project.

Our Approach to the Discovery Stage

At Integra Sources, we use agile methods to conduct the discovery phase. This approach allows us to examine your project from multiple angles and find the most efficient solution.

Our discovery phase process includes:

  • Gathering customer requirements
  • Involving developers with the right expertise
  • Conducting research to find the best approach
  • Creating a mock-up or proof of concept
  • Preparing a detailed report and presenting it to the client
  • Developing a roadmap with timelines and milestones
  • Defining next steps

The discovery phase typically takes between 40 to 200 man-hours, depending on the project's complexity. Our team includes a project manager, developers, a tech lead, and sometimes additional engineers for more complex solutions.

The process of conducting Discovery Phase in Integra Sources

With extensive experience in software, machine learning, firmware, hardware, and IoT projects, we have successfully guided many ideas from concept to functional products. If you have an idea you'd like to explore, feel free to reach out to us.

Conclusion

Developing a new product or implementing a new feature can be challenging, but with proper planning, it becomes a smooth and transparent process. The discovery phase plays a vital role in ensuring the success of your project by setting the right foundation and minimizing risks.

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