Project management

Project Management: Pulling the Strings

Projects that aim to develop a digital solution can quickly become quite complex. The needs and wishes of different people have to be coordinated, technical solutions found and deadlines met. This requires project managers who pull the strings and maintain an overview - good project management is essential for the success of an IT project.

We manage projects holistically, which in this context means that we work according to the human-centred design approach and focus not only on the technology, but on the big picture: the perfect intersection of user needs, technical feasibility and economic realities.

The magic Square in Project Management

In terms of projects, it's important to keep the classic project parameters within the agreed framework: Scope, schedule, quality and costs. The task of the project manager isn't only to take countermeasures if one of these factors is no longer correct, but also to proactively ensure that all those involved know at all times how the project is going. In this way we avoid unpleasant surprises on both sides.

Agile, Scrum, Waterfall, Hermes, or something else?

We like agile methods for the implementation of projects very much, as they allow for a strong involvement of the target group and the clients. However, we also master classic project methods such as the waterfall method. Our project managers have HERMES certificates as well as Scrum Master trainings.

The optimal project method varies depending on the context, the project, the project team and the scope and nature of the project. Therefore, we're very flexible in terms of the choice of project management approach, we also know how to use hybrid models such as the so-called iterative waterfall and we strongly focus on the wishes of our clients.

From the Idea to the Project Plan

No two projects are the same and the process differs depending on the methodology. Nevertheless, most projects go through a similar process. At the beginning, it's important to create a common understanding with the clients in one or more workshops, to sharpen the idea and to define the framework conditions. This can happen, for example, in a so-called discovery workshop.

Then it's down to the nitty-gritty: usually the first step is to work out the requirements. In the course of requirements engineering, the functional and non-functional requirements for the solution are defined. It's written down in detail what the digital solution must be able to do.

The resulting list of requirements forms the basis for the detailed cost estimate. Once the offer is complete and accepted, our PMs ensure a smooth start to the implementation phase. This usually starts with the Concept and Design and User Research, before moving into the App- or Webdevelopment.

What happens after the first Version

After the release is before the release. The life cycle of a digital product doesn't end with the go-live of the first version or even the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). On the one hand, the product goes into operation and needs to be supported; on the other hand, the marketing machinery really gets going after the release of the first version. In addition, in the vast majority of cases there will be requests for changes. And the world doesn't stand still: further developments, improvements and new features need to be planned on a long-term roadmap. In addition, there are possible changes in external conditions such as operating system updates or new legal requirements in the area of data protection, to name two examples, which can make updates necessary. With good release and roadmap planning, we keep lifecycle management under control.

Why Apps with love should accompany your digital project

We've been managing small and large software projects since 2010. During these years, we've encountered one or the other stumbling block - and have worked around it, overcome it or cleared it out of the way. 
We can draw on this experience and have the possibility to put together our teams according to the skills and methods required.

Do you have an idea that you would like to bring to life or an ongoing project that you would like us to bring order to - get in touch with us.