If we look in-depth, software product development is the major process in the arena that is defined as a precise procedure, inclusive of different strict steps known as the Software Development Life Cycle. If you need a sophisticated application system (either web or mobile app), you look forward to this process. 

Surely, you would have several questions and confusions pertaining to SDLC and its processes. Thus, we will take a comprehensive look at the software product development process in this article. 

Decoding Software Product Development Process

Software product development process is a term defined as collective steps needed to develop a software product from its initial stage to market presence. Typically, it consists of a number of phases in the complex process of delivering a new product and transforming an old product notion into a marketable solution. 

SDLC (Software Development Life Cycle) is all about the rules and practices that assist in connecting tech, non-tech teams, and project stakeholders in bringing ideas into digital products or software solutions. 

The process starts from ideation and concludes with product features, pricing strategy, and distribution strategy. In the beginning, the processes hover around the area and market. Although the product development process aims to maximize the product value and mitigate the risk, failure occurred due to poor quality, noncompetitive pricing, retard and premature entry, weak promotion, and bad brand awareness. 

So, now you would have understood what the software product development process is. Let’s take an in-depth glance into the processes it consists of.

Step By Step Software Product Development Processes 

The software development process is an amalgamation of different processes, and each has its own significance that empowers the complete process with different attributes and insights. Owing to that, many businesses consider product development consulting to do everything right in step by step order. So, let’s take a glance at the step-by-step processes included in software product development for startups.

#1. Brainstorming The Ideas & Planning 

Brainstorming is the initial stage of this cycle, where we define the concept for the product. First, it begins with a great idea that you need to carefully think over in order to implement. Besides, the processes can also be termed as idea generation, as we think of every step or stage of the product. 

The fact is that a business generates a number of ideas, and a handful is good. The process may include : 

• Discussing the project value and idea with the development team
• Gather information from the market or go through the market statistical occurrence 
• Describing the concept and idea on a document and sought approval of stakeholders 

Once you brainstorm over all the ideas and decide the one to implement, It’s time for planning. Meticulous planning is one core phase of software development. It determines the scope of the project and defines means that can meet strategic business objectives. 

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Moreover, planning also includes considering resource availability & allocation, cost determination and budgeting, timeframe, and determining solutions. Once the perfect plan is determined, you are ready to move forward. Although having a detailed plan is another perk that can turn out very fruitful. 

#2. Product Research & Requirement Analysis 

It is critical to have the right product concept in your mind. If you miss out on this, you can fail to validate your idea first and then end up losing precious time in re-considering. Product research and validation enable you to ensure that you are going to develop a product that users will like to pay for, and you won’t be wasting time or money. Here are the ways you can conduct product research to validate your idea. 

• Conduct an online survey to get feedback 
• Begin a crowdfunding campaign 
• Asking for feedback on forums like Quora or Reddit 
• Researching in the demand 

During this phase, you would be able to define the project in detail and analyze the feasibility. During this process, you need to gather a deeper understanding of the project goal and collect all requirements.  

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Moreover, product development engineer carry out the feasibility analysis that allows them to consider all technical and economic aspects and impacts on the development process, time, resources, tasks, team members, and calculating ROI is majorly defined in the feasibility analysis. 

Although requirement analysis assists in identifying risks in the beginning stage, it helps identify the risk mitigation strategies that can be implemented from the beginning. 

#3. Prototyping & Design 

Prototyping is the process of creating the preliminary product to test the design of the product and validate the idea. It enables product developers to cater a solution to stakeholders, which can be used for marketing purposes. Once you develop a prototype, your product starts taking a form. 

After prototyping comes the design of the product, where the actual conceptualization of the solution happens. In design, the detailed software architecture gets developed to meet specific project requirements. The custom-tailored software design helps in defining workflow and standards. 

(Design Principles In Software Development)

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Moreover, it encompasses overall solution design along with the database. In this phase, the complete product is developed as a mockup or prototype for the next stage of custom software development. From features of the solution to defining hardware and software components are inclusive. 

#4. Development & Coding 

Once the designing has been done, now comes development, which majorly includes code writing and transforming design documents into an actual software project. It is the lengthiest cycle of a software development project, as being the backbone of the process. 

The whole process relies on this and a vital thing to pay attention to. The work of the software engineering team is that its code meets the software requirement specification and matches the stakeholder’s requirement. However, the previous stage of software is fulfilled carefully then a ready-to-use software is bound to match the needs. 

In this phase, the software release cycle takes place in three stages, including alpha, beta, release to actual product. 

#5. Integration & Testing 

Now when the software is developed, then comes the next phase involving system testing and integration. The process can vary due to the testing processes. But Typically, QA engineers leverage a wide range of frameworks along with integration executing unit tests, automation compilation, and manual testing. 

QA team performs a number of tests, including functional testing, interoperability, system integration, and acceptance testing, etc., in order to ensure that code is clean and the business goals of the solution are met. 

Meanwhile, validation and verification are critical aspects of software product development services, ensuring the application/solution is completed successfully. When the software turns into a bug-free solution, deployment starts.

#6. Implementation and Deployment 

It is the process where actual thing-installation happens of the solution. It is a retrospective process after the implementation plan. In this phase, the newly developed and tested application goes forwards to the production stage with the inclusion of data and component transfer. 

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However, the specific changes will be deployed during the release. Moreover, it can be a straightforward release depending on the complexity of the project. After this, system analysts and end-users can actually try the ready-made application. 

#7. Operations & Maintenance 

Now comes the final stage, where the software development life cycle includes maintenance and regular updates. The phase is regarded as of utmost importance as you collect the real-world feedback and tweak the solution in order to polish it, enhance, and upgrade the fine-tuned solution. 

In this phase, the performance gets looked at, and an upgrade takes place to modify the solution according to need and performance aspects. The actual need of the end-user and new capabilities are met by additional user requirements. 

Wrapping Up 

As a matter of fact, the software development processes vary from company to company depending on the aim, such as delivering the best quality product that satisfies the need of product demand. Moreover, customer demand is the major aspect targeted during the processes. 

The processes of product development engineering can be shaped and altered depending on the need of each particular project, such as app development, a software provider to identify precise action, and the particular goals achieved. At the same time, the process declaration is a foundation measure to arrange the model for defining frameworks and equip team members in both technical and non-technical works. 

From the quality of code and solution in general, the expectation needs to meet the project manager’s decision-making progress and more. In the end, the final product is all that matters. Relevant software development processes can help in meeting the customer’s expectations and by well-tailored and great software solutions that meet business needs and offer exceptional customer satisfaction. 

However, SDLC helps programmers to stay on top and keep complete information of the project, while the management team can focus on determining the ways to the timely and efficient delivery of software. Moreover, if you have a dedicated product development team, then you can be a step ahead in software engineering and achieve great results. 

The post Glean Insights Into Software Product Development Process To Develop Successful Business Solutions appeared first on ValueCoders | Unlocking the Power of Technology: Discover the Latest Insights and Trends.

According to Mckinsey Global Institute data, only 1 out of 7 ideas result in a successful product, and the failure rates for newly launched products are between 25%-45%. Using a structured approach, you’ll stand a greater chance of avoiding any pitfalls resulting in your new product’s failure.

As said by late Apple founder Steve Jobs: “People are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.”

But that does not guarantee that the new product will sell like hotcakes. You need to invest time with good command of customer & market needs, your competitors, and offering products with clear value to beat the odds.

This is where there 7 Stages Of Product Development Helps :

Source: Google

Involving customers at the early stage helps NPD process and understand their problem before executing ideas into process, tools, and technology. 

Necessity leads to invention. That’s where the New Product development Process(NDP) will help. A very simplified process to convert ideas into a tested concept into viable products and eliminate non-feasible ideas.

That’s where the new product development process (NDP) comes into play. This process is designed to aid the conversion of new and untested concepts into viable products and market them while allowing you to weed out non-feasible ideas.

What Is new product development?

New product development is all about converting an idea into a business-strategic workable software development product.

The New Product Development (NPD) process involves researching existing products in the market with a customer-centric approach, feasibility of the idea, delivering working software and latching on the market opportunities, and delivering working software.

Product development is an umbrella term that covers six stages of SDLC and working and has a POC. The New Product Development approach revolves around an entirely new idea, where the uncertainty around its development and the next option remains high. Software product development companies are progressively exploring NPD facets to address development glitches.

Since it is about releasing the latest software product, you should seek services from leading software product development services; then, always a fair idea to join hands with leading firms.

Stage 1: Idea Generation

Emphasize On Customer Problems: A good entrepreneur can scan the issues faced by the target audiences.  You can always identify the issues’ customer is facing.

a) Personal Roadblocks

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or a buyer, the customer’s tendency always remains the same. All you need to do is prioritize one problem, derive a solution, and tag them” one for all. If you’re looking to set the tone right before product development, subscribing to product design and development companies could help. 

You need to apply your brain behind digital offerings. The communication gap often leads to many problems—– and is the biggest hurdle towards the path to productivity.

Building a product and launching it can have some ups and downs, but there should focus on making up a great business idea.

b) Qualify Each Of The Listed Problems

Here is the 4 U strategy:

Let’s discuss each of these aspects in detail.

Unworkable: Figure out whether the brainstormed product concepts will address some real problems. Will the product be able to fill the existing customer experience gaps and will achieve product-market fit?

Unavoidable: Is the problem that you are working on inevitable to the extent that it becomes mandatory to comply? You need to find out whether solving that problem is a choice or a compulsion.

Urgent: Is the problem urgent and is highly demandable by the target market? If the answer is affirmative, this could be your chance to cover the white space in the market with your original product.

Underserved: Are there no available products that address the existing user problems? Look for the whitespace in the market and hold on to the idea that looks promising.

c) Emerging With Possible Solutions 

Once the problem gets figured out, you can start looking for possible solutions with a product development firm to produce feasible solutions. For every new user problem, there’ll be a new NPD service.

If you have figured out the problem, it’s time to look for possible solutions. For every user problem, there ought to be potential new product development opportunities.

Here’s the workflow that starts from a problem and ends up with strategizing around the solution.

d) Narrowing Down The Problems

Categorize all shortlisted problems using a comparison chart with solutions. Circulate the findings across the organizational structure to come up with a viable problem set.

In case stakeholders are reserved, you can Replicate, Re-purpose, and with an upgrade approach.

Replicate:  You can create a similar product w.r.t. a competitor and launch it in the new market conditions. Once MVP(Minimum Viable Product) is launched, then you should prioritize out-of-the-box features.

Re-Purpose:  You can rewire the existing business model and present it in the most viable manner.

It focuses on rewiring an existing business model—for instance, LinkedIn Learning & e-learning platform.

Upgrading: This concept of NPD revolves around the existing model with some improvements. Be it performance, speed, or addressing challenges of competitors with added functionalities. 

Also Read: Top 20 Fantastic Software Ideas in 2021 to Nurture Start-Up Dreams

Stage 2: Idea Screening      

The new product development stage is about choosing the idea that gives you the highest potential for success. You can put all your ideas collectively for internal review, i.e., seek the advice of people with industry knowledge and experience.

When developing a new product idea, leverage the advantage of POC (Proof of Concept) to check the feasibility of the concept. One can’t zero on an idea that is not technically feasible to build.

You can consult the Agile development team—–expertise helps understand the technical side of things and help shortlist ideas worth building a PoC. In India, software product development services leading-age technology solutions give the prospects a smooth development experience

SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities & Threats) is prevalent and good practice while shortlisting New Product development ideas.

Agile development team, product owner, the scrum master, and the product manager go through a detailed analysis and shortlist ideas——— opportunities and strengths, threats picture and weaknesses.

Conducting a SWOT is relatively simple, and you need a simple 2×2 grid to get started:

SWOT Analysis Template | New Product Development

In all, your New Product Development idea should be unique so that you do not have to convince people to pay for it.

Image Source: Google

Stage 3: Concept Development & Testing

Evaluation of value proposition is the first step towards testing and development. It ensures you assess the problem in advance and can course-correct earlier. It saves from piling new technical debts.

These steps easy-to-follow steps include :

1. Quantifying gain/pain Ratio
2. Conducting a competitor analysis 
3. Enlisting major product features
4. Creating a value proposition chart
   

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Stage 4: Value Proposition Strategy 

A great asset of product development companies in India before they launch any product. You should be very particular about the capabilities of new products. Once you are good to go with the idea’s utility, you can pitch it clearly to the end-user. It ensures that a product or service positions around customer exact values and needs.  

In the form of a value proposition, you can showcase what your product is capable of doing.

Stage 5:Concept Testing

Once you are ready with the proposition in software product development, you can now present it to the set of selected customers. The key is to have trust and belief in your ideas. Since the concept doesn’t look promising, you’ll repeat steps to develop a new project.

You can get meaningful insight by focusing on four critical aspects:

• Identification of the focus group, i.e., people who would benefit from the new product under development
• Assessment of other alternatives to be offered to the focus group
•  Devising a foolproof plan for the New Product Development right from features, marketing, pricing, and distribution
• Integration of unique product features into the customer’s mind for findability and discoverability.

Image Source: Google

Stage 6: Product Development

When product development software companies start, execution of ideas occurs, the business strategy is documented —- you can go ahead with the product development cycle. 

The New Product Development starts with developing the prototype followed by MVP.

1. Prototype

Creation of UI/UX of the product and share with the stakeholders helps visualize the product’s feasibility in the marketplace.

2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Using Agile for the new products gives a different look.  Once the product goes through the design & steps — the product gets launched with minimal features.

Agile Product development is better than conventional. The waterfall model complements the to-and-fro movement across the development cycle and ideal for last-time changes.

Maintaining Communication & Synchronization are the key highlights of Agile Model

Stage 7: Market Testing

Steps in New Product Development aims to reduce the uncertainty revolving around the software product development, i.e., checking the viability of the new product or its marketing campaign.

There are two market testing strategies to follow:

1. Alpha Testing

This type of testing allows testing engineers to judge any product based on performance and map the marketing mix.

In case of any issues, the changes are planned and implemented before the final go-ahead.

2. Beta Testing

The selected group of customers gives unbiased feedback to the organization. It is all about listening to customers’ voices when issuing a move back to the development team for fixtures.

Here’s how Alpha and Beta testing are different from each other:

The third form of testing conveyed product validation and is called In-Home Usage Test (IIHUT). Development products are meant for intended customers who will use the products.

Last Stage: Market Entry/ Commercialization

Image Source: Google

If you go step by step as shown, nothing can stop your product from being a market-centric fit and set the stage to become a leading product development firm amidst software development services.

Here are some must-do marketing activities that will help gain traction:

•   Marketing The Concept Over The Product

•   Having A Brand Voice

•   Market-friendly Webinars 

Here are some of the main advantages you’ll gain from using the new product development process.

Create an innovative culture –  a new product bring newness in ideas too. Creating a culture of innovation reaps the rewards and help business greatly.

Keep pace with your consumers – consumers can have changing demands because of no. of factors. New product development ensures you keep pace with consumers and ensure product relevance. 

Discover new opportunities – by focusing on your customer’s needs and not your shareholders, you’re able to uncover new opportunities and further your business’s growth and development.

Drive higher value proposition –designing products meeting consumers needs 

Improve your brand reputation – consumers are often inclined to companies and test their latest products which keep innovating.

Enjoy faster time to market – a streamlined process identifies and creates plans for any loophole in the product development cycle.

Avoid feature creep – allows better management and response to requests for intriguing features.

Avoid common pitfalls – Weed out the snares which lead to failure by identifying them first.

1. Failure to meet your customers’ requirements
2. Too high quotation
3. Misaligned advertising
4. High development and resource costs
5. Stiff Competition
6. Misinterpretation of the market size

Also Read: How Digital Transformation Is A Decisive Factor For Business Turnaround

Conclusion: 

As mentioned, an Idea is the best seed for business. Since the whole theory lies in software product development and converting new ideas into workable products, it gives you a competitive advantage and monopolizes the market. 

New Product development is a step-by-step process that includes New Product development—— idea generation and screening, concept development and testing, market strategy/business analysis, product development, market entry/ commercialization.

Many product development software companies follow the thumb rule to innovate new ideas while delivering values simultaneously to attract business. A software product development firm like ValueCoders thrives your business in the software development trade since it is a 16+ offshore development firm.

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