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You're developing an application with a fickle client. How do you navigate their changing feature requests?

Dealing with a client's ever-changing feature requests requires tact and strategy. Here's your game plan:

  • Set clear boundaries: Establish a change control process to manage requests.

  • Communicate frequently: Keep the client informed about the impact of changes.

  • Document everything: Ensure all parties sign off on alterations to avoid confusion.

How do you handle fluctuating client demands? Share your strategies.

Application Development Application Development

Application Development

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  2. Application Architecture

You're developing an application with a fickle client. How do you navigate their changing feature requests?

Dealing with a client's ever-changing feature requests requires tact and strategy. Here's your game plan:

  • Set clear boundaries: Establish a change control process to manage requests.

  • Communicate frequently: Keep the client informed about the impact of changes.

  • Document everything: Ensure all parties sign off on alterations to avoid confusion.

How do you handle fluctuating client demands? Share your strategies.

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6 answers
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    Igor Rates

    Team Leader / Full Stack Developer | Senior Full Stack Engineer

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    To handle clients with changing requests, I focus on a few key strategies: 1. Regular Communication: I schedule frequent updates to discuss current progress, the impact of past changes, and their effects on future timelines. This keeps clients informed and clarifies trade-offs. 2. Clear Scope and Change Requests: At the start, I establish a clear project scope and a change request process to assess the impact of new requests on time, cost, and resources. This helps clients understand that changes add complexity and promotes a more thoughtful approach. 3. Agile Flexibility: I use short, flexible cycles that allow clients to see results quickly, enabling them to evaluate the necessity of changes.

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    Harish Bhatt

    Solution Architect | 3x AWS Certified | AWS Serverless Technologies l

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    Handling a client with changing feature requests can be tricky but manageable: Gather detailed initial requirements to have a solid starting point. Set up a change process to review new requests for their impact on the timeline and budget. Use agile sprints for flexibility, adapting to new priorities without derailing the project. Schedule regular check-ins and demos for early feedback to catch changes before major rework. Prioritize changes with the client and ensure they understand the trade-offs. Be transparent about how requests impact timelines and budgets for informed decisions. Build in buffer time to handle unexpected changes. View each new request as an opportunity to enhance the project and keep the client happy.

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    Akhil Kumar Marni

    Data Scientist | Quantitative Analyst | Salesforce CRM & Analytics | MAS in Data Science @ Illinois Tech | Python, R, Tableau, AWS | Predictive Modeling | Rebecca Everlene | OCC | CNT | | Accenture | HCL

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    When developing an application for a client with frequently changing feature requests, it's essential to stay adaptable and communicate proactively. I prioritize clear and regular communication to understand the underlying business goals driving the changes. By implementing an Agile development approach, I can accommodate evolving requirements while ensuring that the project remains on track. This includes breaking down features into manageable sprints and delivering iterative progress updates to keep the client informed. I also set realistic expectations about timelines and the impact of changes on the overall project, ensuring both flexibility and structure in the development process.

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    David Shergilashvili

    Hands-on Architect & Engineering Leader | 14+ Years Driving .NET & Microservices Transformation | Expert in Scalable Systems

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    Set clear boundaries: Establish a formal change control process Define scope clearly in the initial contract Include clauses on how changes affect timeline and budget Communicate frequently: Schedule regular check-ins Use visual aids to demonstrate impact Provide data-driven explanations of changes' effects Document everything: Maintain a comprehensive change log Ensure all parties sign off on changes Keep project documentation updated Prioritize requests: Use MoSCoW method for categorization Help client understand feature trade-offs Implement agile methods: Use sprints for regular reassessment Conduct sprint reviews for feedback

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    Santosh Ojha

    Doctoral Researcher| Doer | Coder l Speaker | Certified Architect (TOGAF, Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, MuleSoft, Workato) | Technology Evangelist | Expert-EIA,API,MicroServices | Open Banking l Trailblazer Ranger

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    The definition of a clear process for an inflight project is viral for a project success. There will be urgency to accommodate critical and on-demand requirements but it's equally important to assess before commitment. It's not impacting existing commitment. Communication is another critical pillar specially in agile delivery and it helps to bring agility to the flow. Clear communication helps all participating actors to be aware and align its demand accordingly to ensure success.

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