Technology today is so advanced that the opportunities that it presents are mind-blowing. For software developers, finding gaps in the market and creating products to fulfill the customer’s needs is the most exciting part.
Now, when you have a great idea, you start with high hopes and a vision of what your final software will be capable of. As the project progresses, you hit snags and roadblocks that just bring down the momentum. The result? Growing frustration and a potentially great product that will probably never see the light of day.
How do you avoid this and set yourself up for success from the very beginning? Planning and identifying potential issues are the two most essential and practical options for you. To do that, you must be aware of the common reasons why software development projects fail. Here are 10 of them that are often overlooked.
10 Reasons Why Software Development Projects Fail
Most often, the focus is so much on the development portion that many other factors affecting a project are overlooked.
You Forget The Needs of The Business
The functions and features of the software are the primary areas of concern with most development projects. What is often neglected is the requirement of the business. This includes a solid revenue stream, capital requirements, scalability, and other aspects that will help you develop a proper business model.
How to solve this: You should include a business analyst and leader who can work on this from day one. And, you must remember that you may have to make changes in the project itself from time to time to meet these business objectives.
Failure in Prioritizing
There are two parties involved in developing any software- the project developers and the project sponsors. Often, the two parties cannot reach a common consensus on the priorities for the process to function smoothly. This leads to a lot of time spent on unwanted or unnecessary features and aspects while letting the main framework suffer.
How to solve this: Make a list of priorities and divide them into three clear segments, namely the must-have, the should-have, and the could-have. Then work on them to accomplish more goals in a shorter time.
Improper Execution Strategy
There are many things that you need to keep in mind concerning the execution of the project:
● The business goals that need to be met
- Timelines for each portion of the project
- The people involved in each stage of the project
- The tools you need to execute the project
If these strategies are not in place, chaos and uncoordinated efforts result.
How to solve this: Divide your project into phases and create functional flowcharts along with timelines. Ensure that this information is shared with all the individuals involved in developing the project. The individuals in leadership roles should be seasoned enough to make quick decisions to maintain this flow.
Not Working Backwards
Your project does not end with the correct implementation of the codes. The most important thing is that you solve the problem of your customer. When you run the beta test, there is a good chance that people do not need this product, making all your efforts futile.
How to solve this: Always start with the end customer. Figure out what they need and how much they are willing for their product and get into the understanding of customer behavior. Research is key to converting your idea into a successful business.
Requirements Are Unclear
When you are developing any software, you are not working alone. You have a whole team behind you that needs to be entirely in sync with your vision and goals for the project. Unfortunately, the excitement of having a great idea can make it hard for you to define the project’s requirements clearly. This makes it very challenging to proceed with your plan.
How to solve this: Make a list of requirements and break it down into smaller tasks that everyone involved can easily understand. You need to get into every possible detail for each condition to visualize the end product.
Unrealistic Expectations
Everyone expects a ‘silver bullet’ solution to issues that arise along the way. Have you ever caught yourself saying, ‘Let us get started, and the solution will appear as we move along?’. This approach is not successful most of the time. Proper solutions to issues do not happen magically. They need to be planned well in advance.
How to solve this: You need the right blend of strategy, team, and methodology. When this is defined in the initial stages of the project, you are better equipped to manage the issues that are bound to come up along the way.
Misalignment Between Tech and Business
Several developers and teams begin to work in a silo when they get too engrossed in a project. This means that you work from a bubble of interest and understanding of the product. Then, you eventually realize that the product you have developed does not solve the needs of the business or the consumer.
How to solve this: Software development projects are a collective effort between the developers and the sponsors. The latter understand the business needs, and the former know how to use the correct methodology to provide necessary solutions. When you work with each other and communicate effectively, your success rate is much higher.
Over Customization
We live in an age where everything around us is bespoke or, as it is commonly called, personalized. Yes, we want to provide each user with a unique experience when they use our product. But, you must be wary of over customization. While technology is highly evolved and sophisticated, it is impossible to cater to every little need of the end-user. You have the limitations of capabilities that define the features that you can provide.
How to solve this: Keep it simple, always. Make sure that your focus is on the main problem you want to solve for your consumer. The details can wait until you have tried and tested your prominent features. Remember, scalability is possible at any stage of your project once you have created a solid foundation, to begin with. In the initial stages, choose to be more realistic to bring your idea to life.
Not Defining Clear Roles
The coordination between people involved in the project is key to its success. Often, everyone gets entangled in the development process. This makes it a melting pot of ideas and opinions that keep taking you back several steps. It can also be overwhelming when you have so many
views on one product. When roles are not defined clearly, it can also affect the relationship between team members.
There could be a clash of egos, conflicting interests, and other issues that come into play. They affect the bigger picture severely.
How to solve this: Experts suggest the DCAI model for software development defines roles more accurately. DACI stands for Driver, Approver, Contributor, and Informed. You will divide the responsibilities according to the roles held by team members. This helps you collaborate better and work towards the bigger goal instead of letting minor tiffs get in the way.
Defining the Scope As the Project Progresses
If there is one thing you can say for sure about technology, it changes constantly. You must have clear goals and objectives. However, you should be open to making changes as the industry changes and advances. The scope must be defined in the initial stages. But how do you predict something in the future? Here is the good news, technology is predictable as it responds to human behavior and requirements. So, if the original goal of your project does not seem feasible after a point, make changes that will cater to the business needs and the consumer requirements.
How to solve this: Research is the key to understanding the scope of your project. There is enough data available to understand the trend and predict them to a large extent. You can also work with industry experts who know to help you define the possibilities for your project more efficiently. This prepares you for the changes you need to make and the tools you may require to accommodate these changes in the future.
If you are still unsure how to proceed with your software development idea, Bitcot provides you with all the support you need. From consultancy to help you find the right talent and tools to make your vision successful, we help you find the best solutions for your business.
