Coming up with an idea, crunching the numbers, and securing funding might make you feel like you’re ready to launch a successful product. While these steps are essential, they’re just the beginning. Now, it’s time to turn your vision into reality by building an MVP.
At this stage, you have two options: relying on your in-house team or partnering with a startup product agency. If you choose the latter, the next challenge is finding the right vendor.
How do you make the best choice? While selection criteria can vary depending on your business’s specific needs, here are key questions to ask when evaluating a software development company for your project.
1. What apps have you built, and have you worked on similar projects?
This might seem like a basic question, but any reputable software development company should have a portfolio of products they’ve created. It’s especially important to find a company with experience in your specific industry.
Ideally, their previous apps or products should be publicly accessible. If their work includes internal tools or proprietary apps, they may provide presentations or documentation under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).
Examining the company’s past clients and projects offers valuable insights into their capabilities and compatibility with your needs. These examples demonstrate what they can deliver and the quality of their work.
A reliable team will readily share references or case studies and outline how their tools and technologies align with your project’s requirements.
Another strong indicator of success is repeat clients. If businesses repeatedly choose to work with a particular company, it suggests the team not only meets expectations but also adapts well to different requirements and company cultures.
2. What is your process?
Understanding how a software development company operates is essential, even if you’re not an expert in the field. When hiring, ensure the company has a clear and well-defined workflow.
If the company struggles to articulate their process or lacks robust systems for app development, this could lead to missed deadlines and potential setbacks. A transparent, structured process is a sign of professionalism and reliability.
Most software development companies typically follow one of two common methodologies:
a. Waterfall Method
This is a step-by-step approach where each phase is completed in sequence before moving to the next. The phases include:
- Requirement analysis
- Design
- Coding
- Testing
- Deployment
- Maintenance
The Waterfall method is structured and predictable, making it suitable for projects with well-defined requirements that are unlikely to change.
b. Agile Method
Agile is a more flexible approach, involving regular client collaboration and feedback throughout development. The process is divided into short cycles called sprints, which typically include:
- Analyzing
- Planning
- Designing
- Developing
- Testing
- Deploying
- Reviewing and relaunching
Agile adapts easily to changes and focuses on delivering incremental updates. Frameworks like Scrum or Kanban are often used within Agile, and studies show that Agile projects are 28% more successful than those using traditional methodologies.
Asking about their process will help you understand how the company plans to manage your project, handle changes, and meet deadlines.
How good is the company’s communication process?
Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful collaboration. A software development company with strong communication practices ensures that everyone involved understands the goals, expectations, and progress.
The development team should provide regular updates on the project’s status, including key milestones and any challenges so that you don’t have to struggle to reach them. A reliable company will treat you as a partner, valuing your input throughout the process.
The best companies also offer ongoing communication and support even after the project is complete, ensuring that your product continues to meet your needs over time.
How is the company handling my project?
While software development companies often juggle multiple projects, your business goals and projects should remain a top priority. It’s essential to ensure that the team is fully committed to delivering on your requirements and timeline.
Requesting a meeting with the team assigned to your project can provide reassurance that they are focused on your success. This interaction helps build trust and ensures their dedication aligns with your expectations.
3. What tech stack do you work with?
Choosing the right tech stack impacts key factors like scalability, ease of updates, and development speed. The right tools can help bring your product to market faster and simplify future updates.
A good tech stack should align with the specific functionality your product requires. Different programming languages and frameworks have unique strengths, and selecting the right ones ensures your product is both efficient and adaptable.
Even if you’re not familiar with every technical detail, it’s important to understand the tools your developers plan to use. If they recommend niche tools that lack widespread adoption or support, this could lead to challenges down the line.
Here are some examples of tools commonly found in modern tech stacks:
- Ruby on Rails: A popular framework for startups, known for its large ecosystem of plugins. It’s ideal for rapid development, helping you get to market faster.
- Elixir: A programming language designed for scalability and high performance, particularly effective for handling concurrent tasks.
- React.js: A lightweight yet powerful JavaScript framework developed by Facebook. It’s excellent for creating interactive and dynamic user interfaces.
Discussing the tech stack upfront ensures the tools align with your product’s needs and long-term goals.
4. What is your experience with UX design principles?
Working with a software development company experienced in UX design can save you both time and money. Many companies have in-house UX or design teams that handle the app’s front end. While there may be an additional cost for this service, it’s often more affordable than hiring separate agencies for design and development.
A strong UX design foundation ensures your app is user-friendly, visually appealing, and tailored to your audience, which is critical for long-term success.
5. What is your capacity and production timeline?
Overcommitting is a common issue in the software development industry. If a company is overloaded with projects, your timeline and quality may suffer. On the flip side, a company desperate for work may have an overworked or inexperienced team, which could also impact the results.
A reliable company should provide a clear, realistic timeline and explain how they plan to manage your project alongside others. If they can’t give specific answers about capacity and scheduling, consider it a red flag.
At VeryCreatives, we ensure transparency by providing clear timelines and realistic expectations about our capacity to deliver high-quality work.
6. What will you need from me?
A good software development company will involve you in the process and clearly communicate what they need to achieve your goals. This could include providing detailed requirements, access to resources, or regular feedback.
The right company will start with a clear list of tasks and keep you informed about any additional needs as the project progresses.
At VeryCreatives, we maintain open communication, ensuring you’re always aware of what’s required from your side to keep the project on track.
7. How do you handle app updates and maintenance after launch?
Launching your product is just the beginning. User feedback, feature requests, and bug fixes will inevitably require updates and ongoing maintenance.
Not all companies offer post-launch services, so it’s important to ask how they handle updates and support. Key aspects to look for include:
- A detailed support and maintenance plan, including consulting for new features and updates.
- A Team as a Service (TaaS) option, which provides a dedicated team for ongoing support at a predictable cost, if your budget allows.
Understanding their response time and approach to maintenance will help ensure your app remains functional and competitive over time.
Key Factors to Consider When Hiring a Software Development Company
Taking the following factors into account can help you make an informed decision when choosing a software development company.
1. Quality Control and Security Measures
A reliable company should have a dedicated quality assurance (QA) team to ensure your product is functional, secure, and optimized for performance.
Ask about their approach to QA and whether they use continuous testing throughout the development cycle. Additionally, inquire about their security practices and tools, such as encryption methods like OAuth, JWT, and SSL/TLS, to protect sensitive data.
2. Intellectual Property Rights
Clarify ownership of the intellectual property (IP) for the completed software. IP laws vary by country, so it’s critical to understand the specifics:
- In the US, copyright law typically grants clients ownership of the software’s IP, even if the development team wrote the code.
- In the UK, software source code is not fully protected by IP laws. If working with a UK-based company, ask about IP ownership or consult a legal expert.
3. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Projects
A trustworthy development company will always sign an NDA to safeguard your confidential information. This agreement ensures your sensitive data, including source code and other proprietary details, remain protected throughout the project.
If a company refuses to sign an NDA, it may not prioritize your security needs.
4. Development Company’s Terms and Conditions
Before entering an agreement, carefully review the company’s terms and conditions. This document outlines expectations, rights, and responsibilities for both parties, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.
5. Project Cost Models
Understanding pricing models upfront can prevent unexpected expenses. Software development companies generally offer two common models:
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Fixed-Price Model
- Benefits: Clear and upfront costs, a fixed deadline, and low financial risk.
- Limitations: Less flexibility, which can lead to challenges for complex or evolving projects.
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Time and Materials Model
- Benefits: Flexibility to adapt to changing requirements and suitability for complex projects.
- Limitations: Costs can be unpredictable at the start, requiring ongoing oversight.
Choosing the right pricing model depends on the scope, complexity, and flexibility required for your project.
By evaluating these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose a development company that aligns with your needs and goals.
Hiring the right software development company
It’s worth noting that additional questions specific to your industry or the type of app you’re building may also be relevant. However, the questions outlined above provide a strong starting point for evaluating a software development company’s ability to meet your needs.
The process of selecting the right MVP development partner begins with understanding your project requirements and identifying what the company should bring to the table. By asking these key questions, you’ll approach your hiring meeting with confidence and be equipped to make a well-informed decision.
At VeryCreatives, we prioritize transparency and open communication because we believe the best outcomes come from true partnerships. Reach out today to schedule a call explore how we can help turn your vision into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hiring an independent software development company cost-effective?
Outsourcing software development is often a cost-effective solution, making it a popular choice for many companies. Cost savings are a primary driver, with 70% of business leaders citing cost reduction as the main reason for outsourcing, according to a Deloitte survey. Studies suggest outsourcing can reduce development costs by up to 53%, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to optimize budgets without compromising quality.
How to Choose the Best Software Development Methodology?
Selecting the right methodology depends on several factors:
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Requirements Flexibility: If project requirements are likely to change, choose a methodology that accommodates flexibility, such as Agile.
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Time Constraints: For projects with tight deadlines, consider methodologies known for speeding up completion times.
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Project Size: Large-scale projects may benefit from structured approaches like Waterfall, while smaller or medium-sized projects might thrive with iterative methodologies like Agile.
Which SDLC model to choose?
Agile is often considered one of the best Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) models. It combines incremental and iterative approaches, enabling teams to adapt quickly to changing requirements while delivering consistent progress through short development cycles. This adaptability makes Agile ideal for dynamic and fast-paced projects.
