We need two numbers to estimate a project. The number of days to complete the project is the first one. After that, the budget is used to pay the team. What are these two numbers? Let’s find out. Let’s understand why estimation is essential. If a business idea is worth all the fuss without the risks of launching it to the market, the analysis helps.
A business wants to automate internal processes with a new app. Sometimes buying an existing automation solution is more profitable than developing it yourself. It is possible to test a startup’s business model by estimating how long it will take for a product to pay off.
If you want to distinguish between good and bad estimates, read the article below. Agence 25 works with small businesses and startups. Our work approach is based on data.
For several years, we helped our clients launch successful projects in business automation, Restaurant, and Local services.
Methods of web design project estimation.
There are several methods to estimate projects in the web design industry. The choice of the plans depends on the project itself: its scale, requirements for the result, development team, and development approach. Some of these methods become a thing of the past as technology advances and business demands change. In this article, we will focus on today’s widespread ways in the web design industry.
Method 1. Analog estimation.
The developer has already created some of the apps and sites to which the project is compared. There is a project that is divided into parts. They can be modules, for example, registration or search modules. The project can be divided into different functions depending on user type. Some data and parameters can affect the parts. The part will work the same as before.
There’s only one drawback to this method. When applied to typical tasks, it’s useless. However, when applied to unusual jobs, it can’t be used.
This method will not work if a task requires using new technologies that the developer is unfamiliar with. However, it might work for smaller projects if you have some previous projects to use for reference.
Method 2. Expert estimation.
A developer with profound project experience is required for this method to work. The expert should look at the data and tell the team how much time and resources they need to complete the project. This method doesn’t require many resources and is one of the most common in the industry. A senior developer can be asked to analyze data provided by a client to prepare an estimate quickly. The method does not have accurate accuracy. According to research in the web industry, experts tend to give over-optimistic deadlines. 30% longer than the expert estimates is how long the actual work on the project is.
Method 3. Three-Point estimation.
The method of the three-point estimate is used to make the expert estimate more accurate. The minimum resources needed to implement the project, leading resources, and average resources are determined by using this method. These values are related to optimistic, pessimistic, and middle estimations. Even though an expert makes these estimations, this method allows for taking into account potential problems that the development team may face and creating an analysis that incorporates these risks.
Combined estimation.
The above methods can be combined to create a new way. It is possible to use expert and analog estimations at the same time. Depending on the stage of the project life cycle, we can provide several measures. A rough estimate is the only thing one can come up with when thinking of a new product. In this case, the expert estimation method is a good choice because it is less time-consuming but gives a general perspective on the required resources. A more accurate and detailed estimate can be prepared based on user stories with the analog method.
We can plan resources and budgets for project development more accurately if we combine several estimation methods. This approach is being used by Agence 25:
- We give a rough estimate for the first time.
- We make a detailed estimate after we have created a design and user stories.
- Our past projects are compared to the current project to come up with an appraisal.
Several team members are needed to do this, including an analyst, a designer, and an engineer.
The result is worth it because the client gets a detailed and accurate estimate. The development team and the client are very confident about it. The client gains a clear vision of the project when the task becomes more defined during the multi-stage estimation process. Our clients don’t need to wait for a prototype or a launch to see how the app works. Saving clients money and resources can be achieved by making changes to the project.
The estimation process.
Different companies use different methods for estimation. The process that was implemented at Agence 25 is described here. Our approach was efficient with many clients and fit projects from scratch.
Step 1: input data study.
The analyst arranges a meeting with the client when they ask for an estimate. The analyst finds out the client’s business goals and how the product will affect the business during the meeting. If there is an app prototype or a design concept, the analyst will research it.
Step 2: project decomposition.
At this stage, the analyst breaks down the project into its objectives. One of the main characteristics of a goal is its ability to be measured in numbers. For example, suppose we want to raise the quality of customer service using an app. In that case, we should measure the quality of customer service as it is right now and set the desired rate.
The net promoter score can determine customer loyalty to the business. The set objectives are connected to the available resources and the budget by the analyst.
The analyst started working on the technical requirements after decomposing the business goals. The project is being broken into user stories by the analyst. A user story describes the functions of an app or website that contains the user’s intentions and a way of interacting with the product.
Step 3: task estimation.
After discussing project tasks with the client, the analyst asks a designer and engineer to estimate the project. Finally, a rough development estimate and a detailed design estimate are given to the client by the team.
Why don’t you provide a detailed development estimate right away? The future product’s function can be changed and refined when working on a design. This can influence the development estimation. In terms of time, the expert estimate of the procedure can be between 5-10% inaccurate. In comparison, the development estimate can be 40% wrong.
After completing the design, the team can give a detailed estimation of the development. The analyst invited the engineer to study the user stories and project design. Then, he compares the app’s function with our similar cases, defines standard functional modules, and estimates development hours.
The client won’t be at risk of making mistakes with resource planning because of the higher accuracy of such an estimate.
Step 4: final estimate.
A final document with development estimation results from the work of the analytical team and the client. Our estimate shows that the project work is divided into functional models that include user stories. We split each flow into the front-end and back-end work to calculate the number of hours.
The estimate also includes technical tasks such as deploying the project and designing its architecture and work process tasks such as team meetings.
Results of estimation.
The estimation is used to set deadlines and budgets, as well as set other things. We can define the look and function of the future product with this instrument. The estimate will help check the business idea’s profitability and improve it if necessary.
Only a team of professionals can give a reliable estimation. Unfortunately, the more time and resources we use to create an estimate, the less chance that works will last 8 months instead of the 5 months that was promised. The project will need more money than it was expected.
A high-quality project estimation when choosing a contractor is the key to a successful project launch. This article gives our readers a general understanding of web design project estimation. It helps them to distinguish between high-quality and low-quality estimations. If you want to discuss your idea with us, click here.