I Know What I Want… But I Don’t Know How to Explain It to Developers.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
At Marketing Wire, we work with founders, NGO leaders, program heads, and operations teams who have great ideas — but no in-house tech team to execute them.
The truth? Most software project failures aren’t because of bad coding.
They fail at the planning stage — unclear requirements, mismatched expectations, unrealistic timelines.
This guide will show you how to plan a software project step-by-step — even if you’re not technical — and avoid common (costly) mistakes.
Step 1: Start With the Problem, Not the Features
Don’t jump into features like “login system” or “AI dashboard.”
Start by clearly answering:
What problem is this software solving — and for whom?
- “We want to reduce manual reporting by our field staff.”
- “We need to track grant utilization by program.”
- “We want to digitize how citizens apply for certificates.”
Clarity here = lower development time + better product later.
Step 2: Think MVP — Minimum Viable Platform
You don’t need Version 10 from Day 1.
Focus on your Minimum Viable Platform — the smallest version of the software that:
- Solves the core problem
- Works end-to-end (even if manually in some areas)
- Can be improved over time
Example:
Instead of building a full LMS, start with:
- Simple user login
- 3 training modules
- Completion tracking
- Feedback form
Step 3: Map the User Journey (Keep It Visual)
Even if you can’t write a technical spec, you can draw boxes.
Create a user journey like:
- User visits your app
- Registers and logs in
- Sees dashboard
- Uploads a file or submits a form
- Gets confirmation or approval
Use tools like:
- Pen & paper
- Miro
- Whimsical
- Google Slides
A good dev team can turn this into wireframes or screens.
Step 4: List the Inputs, Rules & Outputs
To build reliable software, developers need logic. You can provide it like this:
| What You Need | Example |
|---|---|
| Input | “User uploads ID proof” |
| Rules | “Only PDF/JPG under 2MB accepted” |
| Output | “Admin gets email + user gets tracking ID” |
You don’t need to be technical — just think in cause-and-effect terms.
Step 5: Decide How You’ll Measure Success
What does success look like?
- “We cut staff reporting time by 40%.”
- “Our data is ready for audits anytime.”
- “Beneficiaries don’t have to travel 3 times for 1 certificate.”
These are your KPIs.
They help the consulting team align features, effort, and budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing vague briefs like “We want an app like Uber.”
→ Always explain what you want to achieve, not just what you want to copy. - Over-specifying tech before consulting experts.
→ You don’t need to decide “React vs Flutter.” That’s our job. - Skipping user testing.
→ A small pilot run with real users can prevent big rewrites later.
You Don’t Need to Be a Developer — Just a Clear Thinker
Planning a software project isn’t about writing code.
It’s about understanding your workflows, users, and outcomes — then partnering with the right team to bring it to life.
At Marketing Wire, we specialize in working with:
- Non-technical founders
- NGOs and policy teams
- Gov tech projects with tight timelines
We offer strategy + execution — no jargon, no fluff.
