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The ScaleUp

Process4 min read

What to expect in a software discovery phase

Why a short discovery phase saves time and money on software projects, and what you receive at the end of it.

Skipping discovery feels like saving time. In practice, it is where most budget overruns begin: assumptions go untested, scope grows quietly and the first demo reveals problems nobody planned for.

What happens during discovery

  • Workshops with stakeholders to agree on goals and success measures.
  • Interviews with the people who will actually use the software.
  • A review of current systems, data and integrations.
  • Early sketches and prototypes to test ideas cheaply.

What you receive

  • A prioritized list of features with a clear first release.
  • A recommended technical approach and architecture outline.
  • A roadmap with timeline and a budget range.
  • A list of risks and how to reduce them.

How long it takes

Most discovery phases take two to four weeks. The result is yours to keep. You can build with us, with another team, or in-house, and you will do it with far better information than you started with.

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