Doubt everything. Only then can you build brilliant applications

Wouter wrote earlier in a blog that a little bit of stubbornness is no stranger to us. When you bring us in, we first want to really understand what your needs are. We doubt everything, investigate, ask questions. Why? Because that's the only way we can build truly brilliant applications. In this blog, Remco Snijders, Business Technology Consultant and Design Sprint Facilitator at Quatronic, explains how we do that.

Challenging and inquisitive workshop

We start each project with a workshop that is fully tailored to the specific needs of the organization. We don't wait for the customer to come up with the traditional list of functionalities, but go back to the drawing board first. What exactly is the challenge that the organization faces? What ideas are already alive within the organization itself? What are the market conditions? What does the competition do? The purpose of this approach is twofold. On the one hand, we want to understand the situation thoroughly and, on the other hand, we want to challenge the organization. Is what you think you need really what it takes?

Expanding perspectives

We notice that a customer's wishes are often limited by the existing frame of mind. That is why we not only want to understand the immediate need, but also to clarify the wider picture. In our workshop, for example, we try to find out why certain data is recorded in a system. What is the ultimate goal? Through this in-depth approach, we are trying to find out how we can not only make current processes more efficient, but also how we can possibly introduce completely new and improved methods, involving multiple departments. This approach enables us to provide innovative solutions that go far beyond the original request.

A quick start thanks to design sprints

After this initial workshop, we'll roll up our sleeves and really get to work. We use our own version of the design sprint mechanism, a concept developed by Google Ventures. In a few days — between one and four, depending on the size of the project and the type of organization — we go from identifying the problem to creating a validable prototype. These are often screen designs that serve as the initial version of the app. We will later use that setup to design the app ourselves. This rapid approach gets the project off to a flying start. The time invested in these workshops always pays off. A thorough understanding of the situation from the start significantly reduces the chance of drastic adjustments later.

From insight to action

Once we agree on the set-up, we create an initial roadmap for the first weeks or months, describing which functionalities we are developing and when. We work iteratively and evaluate progress every two weeks, taking into account new insights. This enables us to adjust the roadmap if necessary. This flexibility is necessary, because we often find that customers only really understand what they want once they see part of the system in action. The initial idea is a starting point, but as the system begins to take shape, their vision becomes clearer. The faster things become tangible, the faster we receive feedback and can make necessary adjustments. It's better to hear that something isn't right early in the process than late in the process.

Embrace doubt for better solutions

In the world of application development, skepticism, questioning, and a willingness to challenge assumptions are our guiding principles. By embracing doubt and encouraging in-depth research, we lay a solid foundation for developing brilliant applications. Ultimately, it's by asking questions that we find the most innovative answers.

Curious about our approach?

Do you also want to benefit from Quatronic's efficient approach and customized solutions? Please contact Remco Snijders via mail. We'd love to talk to you to find out how we can help improve your business.

Want to stay up to date?

Is now not the time, but are you curious about our blogs and articles? Then follow our LinkedIn page and you'll be the first to know about our latest contributions and future events.