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Lessons Learned


​​DSS offers services that help both clients and developers learn the easy way what they might otherwise learn the hard way.  Allow me to share 3 critical lessons I've learned regarding web and database development projects.
​

Development Projects:  Lesson #1

The quality of the product developed is a direct result of the ​quality of the client-developer communication throughout the project.

Communication of Requirements

​​I learned this lesson after being on both sides of development projects — as the small business manager challenged with communicating my organization’s needs to developers, and as the developer challenged with thoroughly understanding my clients’ needs so I could deliver products that met those needs.

​The truth is that neither party’s communication challenge is an easy one.

There is, however, a tried-and-true way to bridge the communication divide: written requirements.
​

​Although many business people cringe at the prospect of using this detailed communication method, nothing else on the planet goes further to ensure an outstanding final product.


Development Projects:  Lesson #2

​The long-term success of a software product is dependent on the quality of the client-developer relationship behind it. 

A Productive, Collaborative Development Team
​
​Most clients and some developers fail to realize that it is ultimately in the best interest of 
both the client and the developer to build a strong, productive, mutually-respectful relationship that endures throughout the life of the website or database developed.  

​
Like any other kind of relationship, though, a successful, long-term client-developer relationship requires ongoing communication to keep it strong.  This communication is best accomplished by periodic hi-how-are-ya's, thank-you's and kudos where appropriate, and written specifications when bugs, process changes and/or product enhancements are involved. 

Another point that underscores the benefits of a long-term client-developer relationship is worth mentioning.  Many clients don't realize that the original developer generally knows the product's structure and design complexities the best.  As a result, product maintenance and subsequent system enhancements are generally performed more efficiently and effectively by that developer. Assuming that the original product was well developed to begin with, building a solid, respectful relationship with the original developer generally results in less risk, less cost, and happier campers on both the client's and developer's end. 
​

Development Projects:  Lesson #3

Professionalism is in the details. Sloppy interfaces negatively impact your company's image.

Proofreading involves checking for spelling, grammar and accuracy.

​Whether you're the client or the developer, a polished, ​letter-perfect
final product sets you far apart from your competition.


The web today is full of sites with misspellings, run-on and fragmented sentences, poor grammar and other improper use of the English language, all of which infer a lack of professionalism and respect for quality.
​
Unfortunately, that negative perception of the business often overflows into a prospect's perception of the products and/or services the business offers.

So don't make the mistake of thinking that good enough is good enough --
it isn't.


Small business owners, make the relatively-minimal investment in editing and proofreading services to protect your brand.

​Developers, invest in outside editing and proofreading services to ensure that the types of image-busting imperfections listed above don't reflect on your client's professionalism — or on your own.

Let DSS Help


Whether you're currently the client or the developer involved in a web or database development project, working with DSS will assure you of a professional and outstanding end product and a more pleasant journey along the way.  

Please review the details of my services by clicking below and/or contact me for further information.

About DSS                DSS Services         Services for Clients      Services for Developers


DevelopmentSupportSvcs.com                                Kim@DevelopmentSupportSvcs.com 
Copyright © 2016 Development Support Services.  All rights reserved.
  • Home
  • About DSS
  • About Kim
  • DSS Services
    • Lessons Learned
    • Services for CLIENTS >
      • Client Svcs: Definition of Requirements
      • Client Svcs: Changes
      • Client Svcs: Product Reviews
      • Client Svcs: Editing & Proofreading
      • Client Svcs: Documentation
    • Services for DEVELOPERS >
      • Developer Svcs: Requirements
      • Developer Svcs: Changes
      • Developer Svcs: Quality Assurance
      • Developer Svcs: Documentation
  • The Cost
  • Contact Me
  • Testimonials