The software design proposal approaches clients with a designer’s qualifications to design, implement, and update software specifically. Such a proposal will focus on the software project’s requirements, scope of work, and objectives while demonstrating the designer’s software solutions and ability to implement them.
Types Of Software Design Proposals (15)
- Custom Software Development – This proposal is for clients with unique software needs and will be exceptionally responsive to the project specifics.
- CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software Design – This proposal is developed to highlight the customer interaction software skills of the designer and will appeal to clients with commerce-based projects.
- E-Learning Software Design – This proposal appeals to many clients, especially in education, because it demonstrates the designer’s knowledge of learning software or training modules.
- Embedded Software Design – A proposal focused on clients requiring work on embedded systems (i.e., medical equipment).
- Enterprise Software Design – A proposal featuring the software engineer’s skills in business processes and system analysis.
- Financial Software Design – A proposal that highlights a software designer’s banking and financial system skills.
- GIS (Geographic Information System) Software Design – This type of proposal appeals to clients with location-based services since it showcases the software designer’s expertise in geographical data applications such as GPS.
- Healthcare Software Design – Proposals aiming for projects within the healthcare industry and show off software design skills in areas such as electronic healthcare records.
- HRM (Human Resource Management) Software Design – A proposal meant to feature the software designer’s expertise in human resource software and requires strong skills in data management.
- Mobile App Design – This proposal will seek mobile technology projects, specifically iOS and Android.
- SaaS (Software as a Service) Design Proposal – The proposal demonstrating a designer’s ability with cloud-based services, such as clients with membership sites.
- Software Integration Design – A proposal discussing the software designer’s integration skills between existing and newer systems.
- Software Prototype Design – Proposals made for clients with projects that require software design before the start of development.
- Software UI/UX Design – This proposal centers on the software designer’s UI (user interface) design skills.
- Web Application Design – A proposal to attract clients with web projects such as e-commerce platforms.
What Should Be Included (16 Items) |
1. Introduction
Open the proposal with a project summary and the software designer’s experience, qualifications, and history. Since this proposal must convince the client to award the project to the software designer, include the reasons defining the benefits of working with the designer.
Greeting And Contact Information
Project Goals
Collaboration
Proposal Objective And Overview
Call To Action
2. Software Design Project Overview
Produce a discussion to sum up the project’s design objectives and software requirements. Also, make sure to involve client and stakeholder interests during the overview.
Project Title And Information
Introduction To Software (Features, Function, Impact)
- Project Objectives, Challenges, Duration
Target Audience/Users
Estimated Impact/Value
3. Scope Of Work
Discuss, in detail, all software design deliverables and each step to them. Give a precise analysis and plan of the project and how the software designer will complete it while solving its associated obstacles.
Functionality, Modules, Components, Platform, Devices
UI (Roles, Permissions)
Data Management, Work Flow, Processes
Integration, Dependencies, Testing
User Documentation, Prototypes, Training
4. User Requirements
List all the elements the software requires to operate accordingly. Include functional as well as nonfunctional elements since this must be a complete overview.
Functional/NonFunctional Requirements
Data, Integration, Performance, Security
User Interface (UI), Experience (UX), Performance
Compatability, Localization, Usability
Limitations And Assumptions
5. Architecture
Document all modules, systems, and components making up the architecture of the software. In other words, define what parts and systems need to be in place and their integration.
Architecture (UI, Deployment, Database, Security)
Technology Stack, Scalability, Integration, Caching
Error, Disaster Recovery, Backup
Backup, Testing Environment, Staging
Microservices, State Managements, Logging
6. Technical Design Approach
Explicitly discuss the software design methodology and principles the software designer will implement to answer the client’s needs. In essence, outline their school of thought and the project goals and show how they will integrate.
Developmental Methodology, Project Phases, Security
Requirements Analysis, Design And Prototyping
Testing Strategy, Quality Assurance, Code Reviews
Documentation Practices, Performance Optimization
Version Control, Deployment Strategy, Monitoring
7. User Interface Design
If applicable, demonstrate how the software designers will have users interact with the project system. In addition, present image mockups for every screen at every stage.
Design (Principle, Responsive, Visual)
Information Architecture, Wireframes, Prototypes
UI Navigation, UX Goals
Feedback, Animations
Module Consistency, Usability
8. Database Design
Give the client a clear idea of how the software will handle data management tasks such as data flow. For example, report where and how data will be stored and retrieved.
Database Architecture, Database Schema
Data (Modeling, Relationships, Validation, Archiving)
Migration Strategy, Indexing Strategy, Security
Backups, Recovery, Purging, Integrity Constraints
Scalability, Performance, Documentation, Normalization
9. Technology Stack
List every programming language the designer will implement for this project. If possible, give the client additional options.
Programming Language, Framework And Library
Front-End Technology, Back End Technology
Database Management Systems, API’s, Web Service
Version Control, Quality Assurance, Deployment Platforms
Security Tools, Documentation, Collaboration
10. Timeline
Establish the project schedule as well as the software design team’s schedule. Explicitly point out milestones, phases, meetings, and feedback periods.
Project Phases, Milestones
Start Date, Estimated Duration, Gantt Chart
Deliverable Dates, QA Phases, Client Review Points
Post-Deployment Activities, Dependencies
Communication Schedule, Input Deadlines, End Date
11. Human Resource Allocation
Name every team member then report their role or function on this project. Also, report the same for every subcontractor or vendor the team employs for this project.
Team Structure (Composition, Skillsets)
Distribution, Alignment, Development Environments
Budget Allocation, Training and Skill Development
Resource (Constraints, Contingency, External)
Communication, Reporting
12. Cost Estimate
Document the charges the software designer or agency expects the client to pay since this must be established during negotiation. Overall, give a breakdown estimate of all billable factors and a total estimated cost for the software design project.
Cost Categories (Personnel, Software, Equipment, Training)
Contingency Fund
Travel Or Accomodation
Taxes, Fees, Miscellaneous
Estimate Validity Expiration
13. Risk And Mitigation
Analyze the software project, then present the client with every challenge to its completion. It is equally important to discuss the contingencies and solutions that will be put in place when the risk is realized.
Risk (Identification, Assessment, Description)
Mitigation Strategies, Contingency (Plans, Budget)
Risk (Ownership, Monitoring, Documentation)
Change Management
Client Collaboration, Change Management
14. Assumptions
Include any implied factors, resources, service requirements, or additional payments assumed specifically for this project. Keep in mind that any assumed additional costs should also be discussed in the payment section.
Project Scope, Client Responsibilities, Resource Availability
External Dependencies, Schedule, Budget
Communication, Constraints, Client Approval
Legal Compliance, Risk Considerations
Scope Of Assumptions, Assumptions Validity Expiration
15. Portfolio And References
Organize a presentation of past software design accomplishments, notable achievements, as well as past client testimonials. Also, include references from satisfied clients, the education of the design team, and their qualifications for this project.
Names, Contact Information, Credentials
Case Studies, Testimonials
Successful Projects, Current Acheivements And Standing
Online Portfolio and Profiles Links
References
16. Appendices
Since the proposal should flow smoothly when reviewed, a section allowing for remaining files and documentation should be included. Gather the technical drawings, charts, spreadsheets, contracts, mockups, wireframes, and all other supplemental documents, files, and images, then attach them to this section.
Sample Work, Wireframes And Mockups, Technical Specs
Budget Breakdown Sheets, Calendar (Timeline)
Risk And Mitigation, Terms And Conditions, Contracts
Team Member Profiles, Portfolio, Media
Client References, Case Studies
Adobe PDF
Microsoft Word
OpenDocument