What is Technical Discovery? — UK Software Development Guide
Direct Answer
Technical Discovery is a structured phase at the beginning of a software development project where the development team investigates and defines the technical requirements, architecture, user needs, and constraints. The output is typically a detailed technical specification and a realistic fixed-price proposal. Discovery prevents the most common cause of software project failure: insufficient scoping before development begins.
Technical-discovery in the UK
Technical Discovery is ClickMasters' standard first step for all projects above £15,000. Cost: £3,500–£8,000, credited against the project if you proceed. Duration: 1–2 weeks. The Discovery phase produces: a detailed technical specification (user stories, acceptance criteria, data models, API designs), a system architecture document, a UK GDPR privacy impact assessment, and a fixed-price proposal. The GDS Service Standard (Point 1: "Understand users and their needs") mandates a discovery phase for all government digital services.
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