CUSTOM BUSINESS TOOLS & PROTOTYPES
A focused tool for the way your business works.
Sometimes a particular task needs a clearer interface, a better way to use information or a working version of an idea you want to test.
I help shape and build focused business tools and prototypes, starting with the job they need to do and the people who will use them.
Build around a specific need.
Internal tools
A simpler way for your team to capture information, review work, track actions or move through a defined process.
Dashboards and reporting views
A focused view of agreed information, designed around the questions you need to answer and the decisions you need to make.
Calculators and decision tools
Turn agreed rules and assumptions into a usable tool for estimates, comparisons or planning.
Product prototypes
A working version of a core idea that lets you explore the experience, gather feedback and decide what is worth developing further.
We first consider whether an existing tool can do the job. Where a custom build makes sense, we keep the scope tied to a clear use case.
Are you testing an idea or preparing a tool for everyday use?
A prototype to learn from
A prototype helps answer a defined question: does the idea make sense, does the workflow feel useful and what do users need next?
The scope focuses on the core experience. Any simulated data, incomplete connections or features still to be developed are made clear, so you know what has actually been tested.
A tool to use in the business
A tool intended for ongoing use needs an agreed standard for access, data handling, reliability, testing and support.
We define those requirements before delivery and identify where additional specialist input is needed. The proposal makes clear what is included and who will own and maintain the result.
Define the job. Build the useful part. Test it with people.
We start by describing the user, the task and what a successful result looks like. From there, we map the essential screens or steps, build the agreed scope and review it against practical acceptance criteria.
Depending on the engagement, you receive:
- A defined scope covering users, functionality and acceptance criteria.
- A working prototype or tool with its current capabilities clearly identified.
- Testing notes and a record of known limitations or remaining work.
- Handover documentation and agreed access to the relevant build assets and accounts.
- Recommendations for the next stage, including support or specialist work where required.
Hosting, software licences, ownership and ongoing maintenance are agreed in the proposal.
Give a repeated planning task a clearer starting point.
Problem
An agency prepares project estimates in separate spreadsheets. Assumptions vary and it is difficult to compare options consistently.
Tool approach
Build a focused estimator using agreed inputs, calculation rules and a clear summary of the assumptions behind each result.
Intended result
A more consistent way to prepare and review estimates, while keeping commercial judgement with the person responsible.
Illustrative example, not an existing client project. Calculation rules and outputs would need to be tested before use.
Common questions
Does a custom tool have to use AI?
No. The tool should suit the job. Clear inputs, useful information and a straightforward workflow may be enough. AI can be included where it serves a defined purpose.
Can a prototype become a live product?
Potentially, but that is a separate decision. We review what has been learned and what further engineering, testing, infrastructure and support would be needed before agreeing a next stage.
Can you improve something we already use?
We can start by reviewing the existing tool, access to its underlying build and the changes you need. That review helps determine whether an improvement or a new approach is practical.
Who owns and maintains the tool?
Ownership, access, hosting, licences and maintenance responsibilities are set out in the proposal. Ongoing support can be agreed around the intended use.
What would make this task easier to do?
Bring the problem, the spreadsheet or the idea. We can explore whether a focused tool or prototype is a useful way forward.
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