Defining Digital Solutions: Establishing context and defining requirements

PREFACE

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations face unprecedented challenges and opportunities. Technology is no longer just a support function – it is a strategic enabler, driving innovation, improving efficiency and creating new avenues for growth. This book (Book 1 of a collection of three books) is designed to guide readers through the essential principles, practices and methodologies required to navigate the complex world of digital solution development.

The journey begins with an exploration of what digital solutions are, their key characteristics and the profound impact they have on businesses and individuals. From there, the book delves into the critical relationship between digital solutions and business systems, emphasising the importance of aligning technology with organisational objectives. Readers will discover the various approaches to acquiring digital solutions, ranging from bespoke development to leveraging off-the-shelf products and cloud-based services.

Central to the book is the recognition that successful digital solution development requires a deep understanding of business needs, robust Requirements Engineering, and the effective use of models and tools. By addressing these areas, the book equips readers with the knowledge to manage backlogs, model complex systems and adopt software tools that enhance collaboration and innovation.

Written in an easy to understand style, supported by an extensive online glossary (bcs.org/books/ddsglossary/) to help the reader get to grips with the esoteric vocabulary of digital solutions, Defining Digital Solutions serves as a comprehensive resource for a broad range of readers (see Who Is This Book For? below) wishing to delve deeper into the dark art of digital solution development, and engage more effectively in the development and delivery of digital solutions. It bridges the gap between business strategy and technological execution, offering practical guidance and real-world examples to illustrate best practices.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the field, this book – and its companions in the series, Designing Digital Solutions and Delivering Digital Solutions – will empower you to participate in the definition, design, development and delivery of digital solutions that meet the demands of a dynamic and ever-changing world. By embracing the concepts and frameworks outlined herein, you will be well-equipped to drive meaningful change and create lasting value through technology.

WHO IS THIS BOOK FOR?

When the idea for the Digital Solutions Collection was originally conceived, the following categories of reader were envisaged:

Business analysts (BAs): BAs play a crucial role in bridging the gap between business needs and technical solutions, and often work with, or as part of, solution development teams. This book provides an insight into how the complementary disciplines of business analysis and solution development work together to address the needs of an enterprise, and offers frameworks for understanding digital solutions, conducting Requirements Engineering and aligning solutions with organisational goals.

Project managers and delivery managers: This book considers the various options for acquiring digital solutions and provides insights into managing the life cycle of digital solutions, from inception to decommissioning, Agile methodologies, risk management and alignment with strategic objectives.

Product managers: This book helps product managers to understand how to define, prioritise and manage digital solutions to deliver maximum business benefit. It also covers methods to align product backlogs with strategic objectives.

Delivery managers (DMs): DMs oversee the execution of digital projects. This book offers frameworks for delivering incremental solutions that realise business benefits, handling iterative development cycles and ensuring stakeholder satisfaction.

IT managers (ITMs): ITMs are responsible for aligning technology with business objectives. This book provides strategies for choosing, implementing and maintaining digital solutions effectively.

Solution developers, testersand technical stakeholders: This book provides an understanding of the entire life cycle of a digital solution, emphasising the broader business context in which these solutions are developed. It explores how various roles and disciplines collaborate to conceive, define, design, develop, test and deliver digital solutions that meet organisational needs while offering value to its customers.

Business stakeholders: Increasingly business stakeholders (product owners, business managers, end-users and subject-matter experts) are being asked to be active participants in the development of digital solutions. This is intrinsically the case where developments follow an Agile methodology that relies on their continuous, active involvement throughout the digital solution life cycle. This book helps business stakeholders to understand how their role fits into digital solution development projects, and also provides further context for the use of digital solutions to address business needs and drive innovation.

Students on university and other courses studying digital business change: This book offers a comprehensive guide to the digital solution life cycle, making it essential for students in business analysis, IT, software development and digital transformation. It provides practical frameworks such as Requirements Engineering and backlog management, preparing students for real-world projects, internships and roles such as BA, software developer and project manager. With a focus on contemporary practices including Agile, cloud solutions and collaborative tools, the book equips students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, innovation-driven industry while emphasising the strategic alignment of solutions with organisational goals.

Candidates studying for the BCS International Diploma in Solution Development, looking for a body of knowledge that covers the breadth of the diploma syllabus and also a range of associated certificates within the diploma scheme.

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

This book can be used in a number of ways:

It can be read from cover to cover to provide a good general understanding of the subject, especially for those with little previous exposure to digital solutions.

Each chapter also stands alone to provide a detailed reference guide to specific aspects of digital solutions, so the reader can choose to dip into the chapters in any order. However, it is recommended that Chapter 1 is read first to provide context for the remaining chapters.

If more detail is desired after digesting the content of this book, readers can pursue specific topics via the references and further reading section.

HOW THIS BOOK IS ORGANISED

The book is structured into nine chapters, as follows:

Chapter 1: What Is a Digital Solution? This chapter introduces the concept of digital solutions, focusing on their role in addressing problems, improving processes and providing new capabilities through technology. It defines key characteristics of digital solutions, such as being technology-driven, scalable and data-centric. Additionally, it explores their benefits, such as enhanced efficiency and customer experience, and outlines their life cycle from inception to decommissioning.

Chapter 2: The Business Context for Digital Solutions: This chapter emphasises the need to align digital solutions with business objectives. It introduces the POPIT model, which examines the interplay of people, processes, organisational factors, information and technology. Key factors influencing digital investments, such as market conditions and customer expectations, are discussed. The chapter also introduces the business change life cycle (BCLC) to align solutions with organisational transformations.

Chapter 3: Acquiring Digital Solutions: This chapter explores various approaches to acquiring digital solutions, including bespoke development, off-the-shelf products, software as a service and open-source options. It discusses the trade-offs between speed, cost and customisation, while emphasising the importance of aligning solutions with strategic objectives. Emerging trends like low-code and no-code platforms are also highlighted.

Chapter 4: Bespoke Development: This chapter delves into bespoke software development, comparing defined approaches (linear and requirements-driven) with empirical approaches (iterative and adaptive). It highlights the value of Agile practices, incremental delivery and stakeholder collaboration in delivering tailored solutions.

Chapter 5: Requirements Engineering: This chapter introduces a framework and set of best practices for defining and managing requirements for digital solutions. Techniques for requirements elicitation, analysis, validation, and management are covered, emphasising their importance in ensuring the solution aligns with business goals. Critical roles such as BA, product owner, subject-matter expert, project manager and project sponsor are also discussed.

Chapter 6: Managing Requirements with Backlogs: This chapter focuses on backlog management in Agile projects. It explains tools such as user story maps and techniques for prioritising and refining backlogs. The importance of maintaining a clear and adaptable backlog to facilitate iterative development is highlighted.

Chapter 7: Modelling the Required Solution: This chapter explores the role of modelling in the specification of digital solutions, considering modelling notations for defining functionality, data and dynamic system behaviour, emphasising the use of techniques to create accurate, cross-referenced models that guide solution development.

Chapter 8: Software Tools to Support Digital Solution Definition: This chapter reviews software tools that support various activities and disciplines associated with digital solution definition, including collaboration, project management, prototyping and systems modelling. It underscores the importance of selecting the right tools to streamline development processes.

Chapter 9: Designing and Delivering Digital Solutions: This chapter summarises what the earlier chapters have covered and provides a short preview of Book 2: Designing Digital Solutions.

Peter Thompson

January 2025

1WHAT IS A DIGITAL SOLUTION?

The term ‘digital’ has become synonymous with the technological revolution that has transformed communication, information access and many aspects of our lives. However, it has a surprisingly long history: according to the Oxford English Dictionary, the earliest evidence of the word dates back to the 15th century, though at that time it referred to a whole number less than 10. This meaning likely stemmed from the use of fingers (digits) to count. Today, the term has two main meanings:

Relating to numbers and electronic systems: In this sense, ‘digital’ refers to using numbers, especially the binary digits 0 and 1, to represent information. This is the foundation of modern computing and electronic devices. Digital data is contrasted with analogue data, which represents information using continuous signals. For example, vinyl records use an analogue signal to store sound, while digital music files use a series of 0s and 1s. Other examples in this context are ‘digital device’ (e.g. digital camera, digital watch) and ‘digital download’.

Relating to technology and the internet: In this broader sense, ‘digital’ refers to anything related to computers, the internet and electronic technology. It encompasses the various tools, devices and services that rely on digital information processing. Examples in this context are ‘digital marketing’ and ‘digital business design’.

While there are potentially numerous definitions of ‘digital solution’, in the context of this book a digital solution is defined as:

A way of using computer technology to address a problem, improve a process or provide new capabilities, that leverages software and hardware to make things more efficient, convenient or effective, enhancing user experiences and driving innovation.

Digital solutions can be found everywhere from smartphones to customer service chatbots, to inventory management systems and self-driving cars. They can streamline tasks, improve communication, enhance data analysis – the list goes on.

While digital solutions are not just about software, this book focuses predominantly on software solutions.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF A DIGITAL SOLUTION

Although the definition provided above is incredibly broad and encapsulates a vast range of different solutions – including software applications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, data analytics and the Internet of Things (IoT) – there are certain characteristics that are common to almost all digital solutions:

Technology-driven: They rely on digital technologies to target specific challenges, inefficiencies or business opportunities.

Problem-solving: They are designed to solve a particular problem, improve efficiency, enhance user experience or enable new capabilities.

Automation and efficiency: They automate manual processes, reduce time taken to undertake tasks and reduce consumption of non-digital resources.

Data-centric: Many digital solutions are powered by data, utilising analytics, machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) to provide insights, predictions and optimisation.

Scalability: Digital solutions can often scale easily to accommodate growing user bases, increased data or higher demand.

BENEFITS OF DIGITAL SOLUTIONS

Digital solutions can provide organisations and individuals with a range of benefits, including:

Communication: They can provide more accurate and timelier (in most cases) information to individuals, organisations and their customers.

Efficiency: They can automate tasks, reduce manual work and save time.

Accuracy: Automation can reduce human errors and improve data quality.

Improved decision-making: Digital solutions often provide real-time data analytics and insights, helping organisations and users to make better informed decisions.

Enhanced customer experience: Many digital solutions focus on improving user interfaces, personalisation and access to services, providing better customer service, support or interaction, and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Cost savings: By automating tasks and improving efficiency, digital solutions can reduce operational costs.

Scalability and flexibility: Digital solutions are typically easier to scale, allowing businesses to adapt to changing demands quickly.

Global reach: Cloud-based and internet-driven solutions can be accessed globally, enabling businesses to serve customers and users worldwide.

Overall, digital solutions are a powerful way to leverage technology to address modern-day needs and create a more efficient and effective world.

TYPES OF DIGITAL SOLUTION

Digital solutions come in various forms, tailored to solve specific problems, enhance customer experiences and drive innovation. Organisations can leverage these solutions to stay competitive, improve efficiency and deliver valuable products and services to their customers.

Some of the more popular types of digital solution are explored below. These are not mutually exclusive.

Web applications

Web applications are software solutions that run on web browsers. They are accessible via the internet and do not require installation on users’ devices. Their uses range from online shopping and content publishing to customer support and data analytics.

Examples of web applications are:

ecommerce platforms (e.g. Shopify and Amazon), which facilitate online sales and transactions;

customer relationship management (CRM) systems (e.g. Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365), which facilitate the management of customer data and interactions; and

content management systems (CMS) (e.g. WordPress and Drupal), which enable users to create, manage and publish digital content.

Mobile applications

Mobile applications (apps) are designed for smartphones and tablet computers. They can be native apps (built for specific operating systems such as iOS or Android), web apps or hybrid apps (a mix of native and web technologies). Their uses range from social networking and mobile banking to online learning and fitness tracking.

Examples of mobile applications are:

social media apps (e.g. WhatsApp and Instagram), which connect users for content sharing and communication;

banking apps (all mainstream banks have these), which enable mobile banking and financial transactions; and

productivity and collaboration apps (e.g. Evernote and Microsoft Teams), which help users to manage tasks and collaborate. These apps are often available through a range of platforms, not just as mobile apps.

Cloud solutions

Cloud solutions provide on-demand access to computing resources (such as storage, servers and applications) over the internet. They offer scalability, flexibility and cost savings. Their uses are diverse and range from the kinds of applications mentioned above, to software development and data storage, to business analytics and machine