How to define your system before writing code

The most common reason software projects go over budget is not technology: it is starting to build without knowing what is needed.

1. Project brief

Answer, in your own words: what problem the system solves, who will use it, and what the main goal is. No jargon.

2. User stories

One per need, in the format:

As a [type of user] I want [action] so that [benefit].

Each story has acceptance criteria and a priority: high, medium or low.

3. Access & integrations

Payments, automated emails, WhatsApp, connection with accounting or CRM, admin roles, and where it will be hosted.

With those three blocks you can estimate seriously and ship in increments. If you want, we can share the template we use.