Cooperation with a software house must always start with specifying your needs, expectations and the details of the project. This is why you need to prepare a brief. What is it and how do you do it right to ensure a smooth development process?

What is a brief?

A brief is a document containing the specific, desired outcomes and all the details about the project that needs to be developed. It is prepared for a software house to make them aware of the client's needs and expectations. It is a starting point for every project, including app development and other technology-related ideas. A good brief helps developers understand the client's goals and, based on that, to suggest solutions best matching their needs.

The brief is usually developed by the client, but often supported with the knowledge and experience of the software house experts who might come up with their own ideas and questions to help them figure out which solutions will be best in this particular case. One example of a software house that supports clients in the brief-developing process is Binarapps.

How to prepare a project brief

The first thing that should be included in the brief is a short description of your company or startup. This will help developers understand your environment and its specifics. One of the most important pieces of information is your audience and the target group of your project. This will help your technology partner choose the best solutions to meet your targets' expectations and needs and make the project profitable.

When it comes to the project itself, of course the brief should include information about the design, functionalities and expected features of the application or other technology project. Listing them will create a guideline for developers to equip your product with all the desired features. Also remember to prioritize them. It may turn out that some of them are more crucial than others, so paying more attention to those might be necessary. And be sure to include some specific technical requirements, if there are any.

Technology brief for an MVP

The first project brief is usually used to prepare an MVP, the beta version of the product. After it is developed, the initial concept written in the brief might slightly change and be powered with new or different features or options. There is also the possibility that the software house will advise some other, better solutions regarding further stages of development. So, when preparing a brief for a technology project, you should keep your mind open and be eager to follow advice that may make your product even better, more functional and more profitable. 

Also, it is fine if at the beginning you have no clear idea for the project. If you are not a developer yourself, you may be not aware of all available technology solutions and not think of them within your initial idea. The most important thing is to define your business and technology goals and target group, and then to work together on the best solution with your technology partner.