I came across this classic illustration of the solution design and delivery process and it made me smile. I remember seeing a variation of this cartoon, probably thirty years ago, and it is slightly depressing that the message still holds true today.
Design and delivery done in isolation or with ignorance, or worse with both, never delivers to expectation and rarely leaves a satisfied and empowered user.
A modern development approach needs to be responsive, adaptive and a collaborative venture between the proponents of technology and the guardians of business process. The bottom line is that even an experienced user rarely knows what they want until they see what they can have and it is the job of a technology team to guide the solution delivery process to an effective and mutually acceptable conclusion.
So, collaborate, be prepared to challenge, be prepared to adapt and have empathy.
