Often, we see that most common mistakes in a project occur when we don’t plan well from the beginning.
This poor planning later leads to delays, deviations in development, and a loss of focus on the project, significantly impacting its success.
We frequently receive proposals for new projects to start working on, and many times we need to redirect the project planning in a clear, viable, and scalable direction.
We’re not talking about changing the vision, but rather the planned task approach so that the project progresses smoothly and reaches its objectives within the estimated time.
To shed some light on the subject, let us discuss some of the aspects that have the most impact and should be avoided as soon as possible:
Often, we see that most common mistakes in a project occur when we don’t plan well from the beginning.
This poor planning later leads to delays, deviations in development, and a loss of focus on the project, significantly impacting its success.
We frequently receive proposals for new projects to start working on, and many times we need to redirect the project planning in a clear, viable, and scalable direction.
We’re not talking about changing the vision, but rather the planned task approach so that the project progresses smoothly and reaches its objectives within the estimated time.
To shed some light on the subject, let us discuss some of the aspects that have the most impact and should be avoided as soon as possible:
1. Waterfall project planning
Have you heard of waterfall planning? Basically, it involves detailing every step of the project planning in a long list of tasks to implement.
For example:
- Define the tasks for a month with scheduling.
- Estimate and allocate hours.
- Arrange those tasks in a sequential list.
- Halfway through the month, you realize that one of the tasks is not being understood by the users.
- You need to work on UX, but you don’t have time because you have measured everything linearly and don’t know where to find extra hours.
When working on something as intangible as user enjoyment, waterfall production doesn’t make sense as it limits flexibility for iterative testing and experimentation.
Although it may seem like an organized approach, working this way breaks the agile and iterative production process.
Instead, it’s better to plan with goals and prototyping visions.
Define the experience you want to provide to the players and validate if it’s fun and understandable. Otherwise, you might end up rushing to implement things that don’t add real value to the player.
To redirect waterfall planning, we will focus on setting objectives or user stories applied to the players.
In other words, the goals will revolve around fulfilling priorities of the player’s experience in the relevant parts:
- Ensure understanding at X point.
- Ensure enjoyment of X mechanic.
- Prevent frustration in X level.
- (…)
With a focus on experience and an iterative model based on trial and error, the project will progress in the right way.
By combining Agile and Waterfall methodologies, you can strike the perfect balance. Embrace the power of Agile for creative exploration and iterative development, while leveraging Waterfall for efficiency in repetitive processes.
2. Lack of clarity in priorities
Setting priorities for your project without considering your target audience is not optimal.
Teams often invest a lot of time in things that have little impact on the players, wasting valuable time and resources, neglecting areas where they would truly add differential value.
Knowing where to focus our time and understanding what interests, motivates, and fulfills our target audience in enjoying the game is vital.
Sometimes, we try to add depth and innovation in all aspects, but our target audience may not need it.
So, what do we need to stand out in our target market?
We must understand who our game is targeted to. Does our target audience seek a challenging game with an immersive story, or do they prefer a relaxing and casual experience?
Knowing these preferences will allow us to focus our efforts on areas that will truly add value to the gameplay experience and prioritize user stories more effectively.
We must understand who our game is targeted to. Does our target audience seek a challenging game with an immersive story, or do they prefer a relaxing and casual experience?
Knowing these preferences will allow us to focus our efforts on areas that will truly add value to the gameplay experience and prioritize user stories more effectively.
3. Lack of solid pre-production
Pre-production is a crucial phase that is often overlooked.
During this stage:
- We must address and respond to questions and challenges that may arise during development.
- If we’re working with new or unfamiliar technology for the team (AI, NFTs, VR…), we need to consider the approach and ensure we have all the necessary knowledge to implement it.
- Determine the software we will use.
- Create prototypes to confirm that the foundations, design, and mechanics of the game align with the desired fun.
- Clearly define each development phase.
Before diving into full production of the game, we must clarify as many uncertainties as possible.
Avoiding these mistakes can make a difference in the success of your development project. At Brave Zebra, we have product management specialists who deal with these situations daily and handle teams in a way that ensures projects are well-focused from the start.
If you feel like you need extra assistance to steer your resources or stay on track, get in touch with us!
