Why is this the case? Well, there are several reasons:
At the end of the day, technology is just a tool. It's a means to an end, not the end itself. In reality, technology may not be the right tool at all. Instead, you may have a "people problem," or perhaps a broken process. If you start with technology, you're limiting your thinking, rather than exploring all the possible solutions to your business problem.
If you start with technology, you risk developing a solution that doesn't actually solve the problem at hand. In fact, you may be solving a different problem altogether. Even worse, you may be creating entirely new problems. By clearly defining and understanding the business problem first, you can gain a deep understanding of the issue, the context in which it exists, the people affected, and the related processes. This knowledge is critical to developing an effective long-lasting solution.
Business problems are rarely straightforward. They involve multiple stakeholders, processes, and systems. If you fail to capture these complexities, you put your organization at risk of wasting time, burning through cash, and inadvertently creating an even bigger mess in the end. By focusing on the business problem first, you can ensure that your solution takes into account all the necessary factors and is tailored to the specific needs of your organization.
Technology is constantly changing and evolving. The tools available today didn't likely exist when your company was started, or even when the problem began. Moreover, newer technical solutions can be built in more flexible ways than ever, which means that with better understanding and a little up-front planning, you can create solutions now that can stay with you well into the future. If you jump straight into a specific technology, you risk developing a solution that becomes obsolete before it's even launched. By focusing on the business problem first, you can develop a solution that's more resilient and adaptable to change.
So, how do you go about focusing on the business problem when conceiving a software application? Here are a few tips:
Before you start thinking about solutions, you need to clearly define the problem you're trying to solve. What are the challenges? Who is impacted? What are the desired outcomes? What opportunities are available if you make a change?
To develop an effective solution, you need to understand the context in which the problem exists. This includes understanding the business processes, systems, and stakeholders involved. Viewing the problem from each of these views give you a more holistic perspective.
Software applications are used by people, so it's important to consider the human element when developing a solution. How will the solution impact the people who will use it? What are their needs and preferences? What are their needs that are not currently being met? Do they currently have workarounds in place? If so, how could a new solution address those?
Once you have a deep understanding of the business problem and context, you can start exploring possible solutions. Don't limit yourself to what's currently available in terms of technology. Instead, consider all the possible solutions, including process improvements, organizational changes, and new technologies.
At Ensemble, we believe that by focusing on the business problem first, we can develop more effective and sustainable solutions for our clients. Technology is important, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. By starting with the business problem, we can ensure that our solutions are tailored to the specific needs of our clients and are aligned with their overall business strategy.