Web Application Development Process: Development Planning. Step 4 of 7. (with examples)
Guiding the project for a trouble-free execution
If you want to succeed in any business, you probably realize that without a plan and its adherence, you will have a hard time. You will get chaos, confusion, and lost time. No results. The same applies to web application development, and in general, the development of anything—clear planning of work will avoid unnecessary stress.
After laying the foundation with user stories, the entity relationship diagram, Information architecture, Wireflows, we're ready to begin the development phase. Yet, this step in itself demands its own meticulous planning. Embarking on development without a well-structured plan can lead to failure—a misstep at this stage can generate a domino effect that impacts the entire project.
In any web development project, three planning components are paramount: a skilled project manager at the helm, a robust project management platform to monitor progress, and a well-suited methodology—whether that be Agile (SCRUM, Kanban) or Waterfall. Each of these elements could warrant its own detailed discussion, but we move forward. Regardless of the particular platform and methodologies chosen, it is important that the following planning steps be carried out consistently.?
Task Backlog Creation
Initiating a web development project necessitates a consolidated anchor—a detailed and structured task backlog. This is like a checklist; it's a meticulously crafted guide that ensures every step is strategic and purposeful, propelling us closer to our objectives.
Here’s a good sample of a well-described task:
Remember that the project backlog is a living document that evolves as the project progresses and new insights are gained. Regular maintenance and updates are essential for it to remain a useful tool for the team.
Risk Assessment
It is essential to acknowledge that developers' estimates for project completion can vary, with a potential margin of error ranging usually from 20 to 30 percent. This deviation must be factored into the overall project plan to ensure realistic timelines and expectations.
Examples of specific risks in web application development include:
Scope Changes.
Unexpected or unplanned changes in the project’s scope, leading to delays and increased costs.
Technical Debt.?
Accumulation of quick, short-term solutions that may lead to long-term maintenance challenges.
Security Vulnerabilities.?
Risks associated with potential data breaches or unauthorized access.
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Third-Party Service Failures.?
Dependence on external services or APIs that may change or become unavailable.
Team Turnover.?
Loss of key personnel during critical phases, which may lead to delays or loss of project knowledge.
Development Roadmap Creation
It's a dynamic document that ensures everyone understands the plan and stays on the same page. Typically, crafted using tools like Gantt charts, it enables a visual representation of tasks and their respective timelines.?
Vital components of the Development Roadmap encompass:
Web apps develop faster with effective project management
In development planning, Dale Carnegie's insight holds true: 'An hour of planning can save you 10 hours of doing.' Meticulous preparation, guided by an exhaustive task list and the SMART system, ensures team alignment and efficient resource management. The logic here is simple, if you don't want to go beyond the budget and deadlines, take planning seriously.
Making quality applications requires focus and consistency from the team. Of course, there are simpler approaches, but we focus on scalable applications that can be worked on by different teams at different times, ensuring everything remains transparent. Building cool web apps is what the Kernelics team specializes in, helping startups and entrepreneurs grow their businesses. We are always available to help!
And we're off to the next article, which covers Development itself.
If you want the full guide, follow the link below.
Tom Ponomarev, Co-Founder & CBDO at Kernelics