How to Brief Your Developers: A Guide.

Contents

1. How to Brief Your Developers Effectively
2. Understanding Your Development Needs for WordPress Projects
3. Basics of WordPress Code for Effective Briefing
4. The Importance of Clear Briefs When Working with Developers
5. Essential Information to Include in Your Brief
6. Tools and Resources for Effective Briefing
7. Communicating with Developers Throughout the Project
8. Tips for Non-Technical Briefing
9. Conclusion

How to Brief Your Developers Effectively

When starting a bespoke WordPress installation or theme project, one of the most critical steps is knowing how to brief your developers. A well-prepared brief can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and one full of miscommunication, delays, and frustration. Developers are here to help bring your vision to life, but they need clear, detailed instructions to deliver exactly what you need.

This guide will walk you through how to brief your developers to ensure your custom WordPress project is a success.

Understanding Your Development Needs for WordPress Projects

Before you brief your developers, it’s important to clearly understand your development needs. By doing this, you’ll be able to provide developers with a clear roadmap for your bespoke WordPress installation or theme project, ensuring that they understand your goals from the start.

1. Assessing Project Requirements

• Determine the specific requirements for your custom WordPress theme or site.
• Identify key design elements, functionalities, and user experiences you want to include.
• Make sure your goals align with your overall brand identity and the user experience you want to provide.

2. Pinpoint Areas for Developer Assistance

• Outline which areas require developer expertise, such as custom theme development, plugin creation, or site optimisation.
• Pinpoint specific functionalities that may need advanced coding or technical work.

3. Project Goals and Objectives

• Clearly define what you want to achieve with your bespoke WordPress site, and ensure this is part of your developer brief.
• Set measurable goals, such as faster load times, enhanced UX, or improved SEO, so developers know exactly what success looks like.

How to Brief Your Developers: Basics of WordPress Code

Understanding the basics of WordPress coding will help you create a more effective brief for your developers. Even if you’re not a technical expert, knowing how WordPress themes, plugins, and core files work will help you communicate your needs more clearly.

Understanding the Structure

• Themes: WordPress themes control your site’s design. Understanding template files, stylesheets, and custom layouts will help you explain your vision more effectively.
• Plugins: Plugins add functionality. Knowing which plugins you need and their roles will aid in briefing your developers on specific functionalities.
• Core Files: Familiarity with key files like wp-admin and wp-includes will help you discuss the technical side of your WordPress project.

Getting to Know WordPress Coding Standards

• PHP: Understanding PHP, the primary language behind WordPress, will improve how you communicate custom development needs.
• JavaScript and CSS: These are essential for adding interactivity and design elements. Knowing their importance will help when briefing your developers.
• Code Consistency: Ask developers to follow WordPress coding standards for better maintainability and scalability.

The Importance of Clear Briefs When Working with Developers

A clear and concise brief is the foundation of any successful WordPress project. Knowing how to brief your developers will save time, reduce errors, and ensure the final product aligns with your vision. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings and sets proper expectations.

Misunderstandings and Ambiguities

• Ambiguous or incomplete instructions can cause confusion and lead to features being incorrectly implemented.
• Clear briefs ensure that developers know exactly what is expected, avoiding unnecessary revisions.

Increased Risk of Errors

• With a well-structured brief, you reduce the likelihood of errors and ensure the development aligns with your expectations.
• Developers can work efficiently without having to guess or make assumptions about your project.

Project Delays and Revisions

• Providing detailed instructions helps avoid delays caused by repeated clarifications and revisions.
• A clear brief eliminates the need for constant back-and-forth, keeping your project on schedule and within budget.

Essential Information to Include in Your Brief

When briefing your developers for a bespoke WordPress project, it’s essential to include specific details to ensure alignment from the start. Here’s a checklist of what to include:

1. Project Scope and Goals

Clearly define the scope of the project, including what your bespoke WordPress theme or custom functionalities will entail.

2. Specific Functionalities Required

Describe the specific features you need, such as custom layouts, e-commerce integration, or advanced forms.

3. Compatibility and Integration Needs

Detail any third-party integrations or specific plugins that must be part of the project.

4. Expectations for Performance and Optimisation

Set clear expectations for site performance, security, and SEO optimisation.

5. Security Considerations

Outline any security standards or compliance requirements that need to be implemented during development.

Tools and Resources for Effective Briefing

To streamline communication and collaboration, use tools that help manage your project more effectively. Here are some recommendations for working with developers on a bespoke WordPress installation or theme:

Project Management Tools

Examples: Trello, Asana, Jira

Benefits: These platforms help track progress, assign tasks, and communicate in real-time.

Documentation Platforms

Examples: Confluence, Google Docs, Markdown

Benefits: Documenting your project helps keep all stakeholders aligned and provides developers with a reliable reference throughout development.

Collaborative Coding Platforms

Examples: GitHub, Bitbucket

Benefits: Version control platforms help manage code changes and keep your project organized and on track.

Communicating with Developers Throughout the Project

Open and ongoing communication is key to ensuring your WordPress project progresses smoothly. Here are some ways to maintain good communication with your developers:

Prompt Feedback and Clarification

• Respond quickly to developer queries to avoid bottlenecks and ensure progress continues smoothly.

Foster a Collaborative Environment

• Encourage open communication and feedback, ensuring developers feel comfortable sharing updates and potential roadblocks.

Tips for Non-Technical Briefing

If you don’t have a technical background, explaining your ideas to developers can be challenging. Here are a few tips on how to brief your developers in a way that’s easy to understand:

Simplify Technical Concepts

• Use simple language to explain your vision and goals. Avoid using jargon and provide analogies or metaphors if needed.

Visual Aids and Examples

• Provide wireframes, screenshots, or links to websites that inspire you to give developers a clear visual idea of what you want.

Conclusion

Mastering how to brief your developers for a bespoke WordPress installation or theme project is essential to success. The more details and clarity you provide, the easier it is for developers to meet your needs. Clear communication and a well-structured brief will save time, reduce costs, and ensure your WordPress project aligns with your vision.