What is Elaboration Phase and Why is It Important?

Understanding the Elaboration Phase in Unified Process Frameworks is key to refining requirements, running thorough technical investigations, and creating meaningful wireframes before development begins.

Nine out of ten new clients start with questions like:

"How long will it take?"

"How much will it cost?"

To answer these accurately, we need clarity on scope, technical details, usage scenarios, and any required integrations. That's why we include an Elaboration Phase at the start of every product development cycle.

What is the Elaboration Phase?

The elaboration phase is a pre-development stage designed to define the project scope, clarify requirements, and map out user flows. It provides the information needed to reliably estimate development time and cost.

During this phase, our team analyses technical details, creates wireframes, and outlines a high-level solution architecture. The client receives a clear explanation of proposed technologies and strategies for potential challenges, helping set realistic expectations and prepare for the next stages.

Elaboration Stages

The elaboration phase typically takes 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the project’s complexity. It is a paid service involving a product/project manager and development team specialists.

1. Requirements Clarification

We begin by analysing the client’s needs. A product manager or business analyst then works closely with the client to define the project scope and gather all relevant input.

Clients are encouraged to share their vision, key features, core functionality, and guiding principles. We collect this information through a structured Q&A session, carefully documenting every detail, because each element can influence the direction and success of the product.

2. Wireframing and Prototyping

Wireframes visually outline the product’s structure, features, and user flows. These are created by the product manager or UX designer using tools like Figma or InVision.

We can also deliver a clickable prototype for demos, user testing, or fundraising purposes if needed.

3. Technical Specification

Our solution architects or senior developers define technical requirements and propose a high-level solution architecture, including recommended technologies and infrastructure setup.

4. Feature Breakdown and Estimation

The project is broken down into features. Designers and developers estimate each task individually. The project manager then organises everything into a structured roadmap with milestones and timelines.

5. Requirements Documentation and Proposal

The product manager gathers all the information from the previous steps into the high-level requirements document and the Development Phase proposal.

The final documentation typically includes:

• Project overview
• Proposed solution architecture and infrastructure
• Key features and user flows
• Design references
• Required third-party integrations
• Out-of-scope features (for future releases)
• Recommended team composition
• Time and cost estimate
• Development roadmap and timeline

Why Is It Beneficial to Both Customers and Developers?

For developers, it means fewer surprises and a better ability to plan and deliver. With detailed input and clear expectations, we can avoid scope creep, reduce risks, and provide accurate estimates.

For customers, it brings clarity, confidence, and control. You’ll get a realistic plan, understand what resources you need, and be better equipped for fundraising or team planning. Solid documentation and wireframes also make communicating your vision easier to investors or partners.

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