Discovery phase

Together we define goals, map users, analyse the market, review any constraints and assess the current tech.

We shape a lean scope, create a prioritised backlog and design architecture options that fit your budget and timeline. Risks are surfaced early, compliance is considered, and success metrics are agreed upon. You leave discovery with a plan you can act on.

Book a discovery session

Why is the discovery phase essential?

Discovery sets the direction. It clarifies goals, aligns expectations, and removes uncertainty. With a practical roadmap, your team builds the right features sooner and delivers measurable value.

How does discovery save time and resources?

Start with discovery to avoid expensive detours. Early insight into risks and dependencies cuts rework and delays, keeping your budget and timeline on track.

How does discovery help your project?

Discovery clarifies users, market demand, and technical requirements. It sets a solid foundation for design and MVP, enabling informed decisions, intelligent prioritisation, and a launch that truly fits user needs.

Discovery phase steps

Project definition

We identify the people who matter (owners, users, investors and developers) and agree on the goals, objectives, and success measures. With shared visibility, the project stays aligned and efficient.

Project research

We audit research, map key journeys, and analyse competitors to pinpoint your audience. The result is a clear niche that guides the build and the marketing.

Project ideation

We use a Lean Canvas to understand the problems, solutions, key metrics, and the competitive edge. Our team then defines user roles to clarify how the product should work, and then creates a feature breakdown to map what the product will deliver.

Project planning

After completing these steps, you will have a confirmed timeline and budget, along with a working roadmap that includes milestones, deliverables, and deadlines, to guide the project from planning to launch.

Discovery phase deliverables

Lean canvas

A practical plan for founders. It includes a business model, customer pains, solution fit, value proposition, and clear goals.

User roles document

Clarifies user roles and how they navigate across the product, ensuring a seamless experience based on the insights gathered.

Feature breakdown list / feature set

A structured feature list with effort estimates, plus the documentation needed for third-party evaluation.

Technology stack proposal

A concise list of fit-for-purpose technologies, including options and trade-offs, explained by our engineers.

Discovery phase key roles

Business Analyst (BA)

Our business analysts bridge the gap between clients and engineering. They turn needs into precise, testable requirements that cut rework, prioritise the essentials, and keep the team aligned on a single goal.

Sales Manager (SM)

In step with the BA, the sales manager surfaces needs, sets a realistic scope and cost, and closes the loop with timely updates so plans stay aligned and communication stays crisp.

Developer (Frontend/Backend)

Our developers join discovery to assess choices, justify trade-offs, and propose what works best. They set reliable estimates and shape the final stack for a clean, scalable build.

Quality Assurance Specialist (QA)

QA keeps discovery grounded and your timeline credible. Our QAs build test plans around developer estimates, set realistic quality goals, surface risks early, and shape what to test and when. They reduce rework and protect the budget.

UI and UX Designers

Designers play a core role in discovery, mapping straightforward navigation, intuitive flows, and visuals that earn attention. They turn research into a practical blueprint and design system, making your product distinctive, functional, and ready for market.

Project Manager (PM)

The PM makes the discovery phase work: structured sessions, clear actions, and on-time decisions. They keep stakeholders aligned, surface risks early, and protect the budget and timeline so the team builds the right things in the correct order.

Let's talk!

With everyone aligned, we move quickly from plan to working software

Talk to our business development manager

23 years' experience

160+ client partnerships

6 months to launch

Geography of our projects

We build with local context in mind, including culture, regulations, and expectations. Wherever you are, you’ll receive clear communication and a delivery rhythm that aligns with your team’s workflow.