In a world where innovation and creativity thrived, a determined developer named Alex faced an intriguing challenge. A prestigious client had approached Alex’s company with a request: the development of a cost-effective car within a specific budget and timeline. Eager to take on this ambitious project, and to secure a long-term client, Alex embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm.As the development process began, Alex and their team engaged in brainstorming sessions, sketching out ideas, and meticulously planning each aspect of the car. With the client’s budget and timeline in mind, they decided to start with a basic car model since the requirement was very specific.

Time was of the essence and to ensure there are no last-minute surprises team followed best agile practices. The client and his stakeholders were actively involved during each sprint demo. Alex and the team worked hard day and night. Finally, they were able to develop a car within provided cost and timeline. The team was confident and so was Alex himself.

The final inspection day arrived, and the client seemed excited as they stepped into the car client was overjoyed and wanted to launch the car in the market. However, as one of the client’s stakeholders gripped the steering wheel ” I feel like the steering wheel is a bit small,” the stakeholder remarked. “This would be more effective if it were similar in size to a Mercedez.” the client remarked “am very happy with the car and the hard work done by your team Alex. Car is very much ready all we need is a bigger steering wheel and we are ready to launch”.

Though this remark came at the stage where there was no budget left and time was exhausted, still taking this feedback to heart, Alex returned to the drawing board, incorporating a larger and more luxurious steering wheel into the basic car model. The next demo showed great promise, but the client noticed a new issue. “The seat feels too close to the steering wheel,” they commented. “We need more space for the driver.”

With the client’s comfort as a top priority, Alex and the team made the necessary adjustments to the seat, providing ample space for the driver to sit comfortably. However, this led to another unexpected problem. The gears were now too far from reach, making it challenging to drive the car smoothly. Alex knew that a delicate balance had to be struck. The team swiftly repositioned the gears to a more accessible location, greatly improving the car’s handling. But this solution led to yet another dilemma—the accelerator was now in an uncomfortable position.

Faced with this intricate puzzle, Alex’s team refused to back down. They worked tirelessly, creatively problem-solving each new challenge that arose. As they made room for the accelerator, they ingeniously integrated the buttons for music, windows, and mirrors into a sleek and user-friendly panel.

Just when it seemed like all issues were resolved, the client pointed out that the co-driver seat interfered with the left mirror, and the rear passenger seats lacked sufficient boot space. This revelation posed a critical question—Could Alex and their team might have done something differently?

Clear and open communication with the client from the start is crucial in any development project, especially when dealing with specific budget and timeline constraints. It’s essential to manage the client’s expectations and provide professional insights into the feasibility of their requests.

In this scenario, Alex and the team could have taken the following steps to address the client’s desire for a Mercedes-like steering wheel while keeping the project’s scope and constraints in mind:

• • 1. Educate the client about design trade-offs: Alex could have explained the design principles and the importance of tailoring features to suit the purpose and budget of the car. They could have discussed the pros and cons of incorporating high-end features from luxury cars into a basic model, highlighting the potential challenges and implications it might have on the project’s budget and timeline.
    2. Propose alternative solutions: Instead of directly implementing a Mercedes-like steering wheel, Alex could have proposed alternatives that strike a balance between the client’s desire for luxury features and the project’s constraints. For example, they could have suggested a steering wheel with similar aesthetics or certain elements inspired by luxury models, while keeping the core functionalities suitable for a basic car.
    3. Present a cost-benefit analysis: A detailed cost-benefit analysis could help the client understand the impact of incorporating specific features on the overall cost of the car. By presenting the potential costs and time required for each modification, the client can make more informed decisions about their priorities.
    4. Demonstrate prototypes and simulations: Utilizing simulations or early-stage prototypes, Alex could have shown the client how certain modifications might affect the car’s performance, comfort, and overall user experience. This practical demonstration can help the client better visualize the implications of their requests.
    5. Emphasize the target audience: Remind the client about the intended target audience for the basic car model. Highlight that the car’s design should align with the needs and preferences of the users who are looking for an affordable and practical solution.

Ultimately, the aim is to strike a balance between meeting the client’s expectations and staying within the project’s constraints. By engaging the client in open dialogue, offering alternative solutions, and being transparent about the potential challenges, Alex and the team can avoid falling into a cycle of endless modifications and ensure that the final product meets both the client’s vision and the project’s objectives.

PRITWINDER SINGH – DIRECTOR ( PROCESS/QUALITY ASSURANCE )