Preliminary study for digital services
You feel that something isn’t quite right with the website – but you’re not quite sure what. Or why. Or how to fix it. You’re not alone. Sooner or later, most organisations find themselves in a situation where it’s obvious that something needs to be done – but it’s far less clear what.
The easiest thing is to start discussing design, features or the choice of platform. But the most important questions are rarely about the technology. What problem are you trying to solve? What do you want to achieve? Which needs are most important? What does success look like?
What is a preliminary study?
A preliminary study is a structured process that creates a shared understanding of the current situation, the objectives and the options available to the organisation. It is not just about the website or the digital service itself – but just as much about the business’s objectives, users’ needs, the organisation’s working methods and the technical requirements.
The aim? To provide you with a solid basis for your decisions – so that you can invest wisely right from the start.
Why invest in a feasibility study?
- Save time and money – Avoid costly rework by identifying problems and objectives at an early stage.
- Reduce internal conflicts – Build consensus and avoid misunderstandings between departments.
- Reveal what you cannot see – As an external party, we can spot issues that your organisation may be too close to home to notice.
What does a feasibility study involve?
Every organisation has its own circumstances and needs, which is why the feasibility study is tailored to the situation. The work may, for example, include:
- Current state analysis of a website or digital service
- Interviews with operations, communications, IT and other key functions
- Analysis of target groups and user needs
- Review of content, structure and functionality
- Mapping of working methods, roles and responsibilities
- Analysis of technical requirements and dependencies
- Identification of risks and opportunities
- Recommendations and options for the next steps
The outcome of a preliminary study
Once the preliminary study has been completed, there is a clear basis for decision-making regarding further development. You gain a shared understanding of: This reduces the risk of misguided investments and makes it easier to proceed with procurement, development or change management.
- Which problems need to be solved
- Which objectives are most important
- Which needs should be prioritised
- Which risks need to be managed
- Which options are available
- Which measures should be implemented first
From the preliminary study to the next step
A preliminary study is often the start of a larger development project. The results can be used as a basis for: Once the foundations are clear, it becomes easier to make decisions that stand the test of time.
- Requirements specification
- Procurement of a supplier
- Development of a website or digital service
- Digital strategy
- Business development
- Long-term digital governance
Better decisions start with a shared understanding
Most problems in digital projects do not arise because of the technology. They arise when different parts of the organisation have different views of the goal, the needs or the way forward. A preliminary study creates the shared understanding needed to make better decisions and implement changes with greater accuracy.
Each service can be used independently, but also works excellently in combination with our other services to provide a comprehensive solution.
Photo
Andrew Moca, Unsplash.