Start with one clear problem
Write down what is difficult today, who experiences it, and what a useful improvement would look like. “We need an app” becomes more actionable when you can explain the task the app should make easier.
Map the people and the path
List the people who will use the system. For each, identify where they start, the action they need to complete, and the information they need along the way. Separate customer-facing steps from internal work.
Inventory what already exists
Bring your current website, forms, spreadsheets, CRM, and integrations. Note who controls access and which data is sensitive. This helps identify what should be reused, connected, or replaced.
Choose the first useful release
Prioritize the essential journey. Agree what “done” means, how the result will be tested, and what can wait. A smaller, clearly defined release gives the next decision a stronger foundation.