I’m Having Problems Communicating My Ideas To My Software Developers, What Can I Do?

Communicating to Software Developers

Communication can be a challenge. Communicating to software developers can be even more of a challenge. If you have found yourself in this problem, you are not alone.  We at SOLTECH have seen this difficulty and know first-hand the frustrations you’re having. In this article, you’ll learn tips and tricks to help improve the communication between you and the developers who are creating your application.

I Don’t Understand the Technical Terms

“Tech Talk” is without a doubt, a foreign language. The terminology, the slang, the definitions – it’s easy to get lost in something that is not your domain. This goes for anything, talking to a mechanic about the parts of a car or talking to a doctor about the parts of the brain – subjects we are not educated in can get frustrating to discuss.

How Do I Prepare To Pitch My Idea To Software Developers?

The best thing you can do when attending the initial meeting, also referred to as discovery, is to be as prepared as you can. This can be in several forms:

Bring examples of apps you like. Print out screen shots or bring a tablet to showcase them. Highlight things you like and don’t like when discussing fonts, graphics and color schemes.

Don’t be afraid to send your project manager a Pinterest board if you’re a visual person – this will only be welcomed and appreciated.

If you have some basic knowledge of software development you’ll able to understand and comfortably respond. If you don’t, which is absolutely okay, try and bring someone who is. If your company does not have an engineering team but perhaps someone who is knowledgeable about the industry, see if they can join for that initial meeting. They’ll be able to “translate” and help both you and the engineers understand what is you’re asking for and what they can do.

I Want to Create an Application

Be sure to have a clear idea of what it is you want the app to accomplish. Only you know this, so ensuring you use the above tips to explain this will help the engineers know what the priority is when developing.

For example, if you tell the team you are wanting an application made that is for social networking, you’ll have to hone in on the idea to clarify many things. Will users be able to write status updates? Upload videos and photos? Is it for anyone to join or is it catered to a specific group of users? What color is the logo? What kinds of fonts and graphics do you want it to have? As you can see, there are many details needed in order to make the application you’ve been dreaming up in your mind.

I Know Exactly How I Want My Application to Look

There is no such thing as being overly prepared. Any time a thought comes to mind about your ideas, write it down. The more notes, visuals, and examples you have, the easier communicating your ideas to the development team will be.

If you’re feeling uninspired or unsure of how you want things to not only look visually but function, communicate that. The developers can assist you if you make that clear right away. Or, consider giving yourself more time to prepare and rescheduling the meeting if your deadline allows for it. That way you can come with a clear vision for the application.

Once things have started to be developed and you aren’t liking something, speak up. It is always better to catch an issue in the beginning rather than waiting until it may be too late to change without affecting your budget and the projected date of delivery.

Before you get started in developing your software app, discover what is non-negotiable in building a successful software application. In this guide, we share how to build your application on a solid foundation from nearly twenty years of our own personal experience.

You can grab a copy of the free guide below and share it with your team!