In the period of 14 years, Cubix has worked on more than 600 projects, diverse in different domains. As a result, our project teams have gripped multiple technologies, giving us an edge over competitors. In addition, our process is robust yet flexible as we seek to cater to massive clients as per their business model requirements. So, where do we stand, and what are our tools and approaches? Let's find out.
What and How We Do; Secret Revealed by Shoaib Abdul Ghaffar
Shoaib has been the most senior developer associated with Cubix for more than 10 years. The fact that he is regarded as a pillar of the company is undeniable. Through his work journey, he has developed vast experience in the field of development, having been exposed to numerous technologies, tools, frameworks, and trends in this long period. Yet, he gripped them all and mastered them.
Currently, he is serving his role as a vice president and looking after the development lifecycle. “I believe that one should focus on the logical thinking capability of an individual rather than weighing them on the basis of the number of programming languages they know” – Shoaib.
Toolkit of Cubixians
As every project is different, our tools and approaches are not rigid and fixed for every project. Instead, we use the latest available technology for enhanced software development. Shoaib says, "We always integrate the latest technology to ignite the digital product core with super-charged development." We use a fusion of Agile technology and the Waterfall model for project building, and Agile to handle resource allocation.
The approach to developing a product might differ depending on the solution required but typically follow the same steps; initial kick-off, requirement gathering, documentation, designing, initialize, alpha development, alpha phase testing, beta programming, beta phase testing, and deployment.
Initial Kick-Off
The game begins from here. It is a starting point where Cubix officially partners with the client and begins working.
Requirement Gathering
A project manager plays on the front foot here with their keen observation and interview tools usage. First, they discuss the ins and outs, project scope, and platform and create a list of technical, functional, nonfunctional, and other requirements based on the client’s input. After that, our PMOs (Project management officers) utilize a tool none other than MS Project in our internal process. It straightforwardly helps in allocating resources to activities, mentioning timelines to tasks, and managing software development teams.
Other than that, we leverage FreeMind, a helpful mind mapping tool for brainstorming sessions.
Documentation
Again, Microsoft's world-famous text editor MS Word comes in handy here. For us, it does best. It is simple, straightforward, and convenient to use at every stage. While wireframing the project, we incorporate Balsamiq in our documentation process. We lock all things at this stage, and we distribute information to the team so they can guide their work. For example, which type of development will we follow? If it is cross-platform, then which IDE? Will it be React Native or Flutter? From there, our experts take charge and start molding the product anatomy. We use Jira as our work base to streamline the workflow for every task.
Designing
Our designing stage involves creating an app or website's user interface (UI). We have a separate dedicated in-house design department where creativity flows every time. Our designers' primary tools for UI development are Figma and Sketch. The product prototyping and layout are done with these two tools, and the project moves forward into the initialization phase.
Initialization
We setup the project here by analyzing the reusable components and pre-built hyper-classes that are essentially required to set the base. Other than that, our approach is to push our work into the repository for validation, which is GitLab.
Alpha Development
This is a nonfunctional development step where we create a flow with dummy data for an application. We set the user's directions to reach a specific spot, create buttons, and implement screens. Alpha development covers the integration of the entire user interface.
Meanwhile, beta development also runs parallel, including programming the project's backend services.
Testing of Alpha Phase Development
After completion, the developed components are put through quality assurance testing to check for any malfunctioning. Once it passes our checkpoints, we send that build to the client for their review. If they provide us with any feedback, we incorporate those changes and move forward in the cycle.
Beta Development
Here, the project enters the functional development phase, and both our backend and frontend departments collaborate with their developed modules. However, communication is Cubix's integral part of every process. We believe that only effective interaction within a team can lead to the finest product, and its absence makes us collapse. To do it better, Slack becomes the perfect tool.
We integrate services and APIs that the back-end team creates to make things functional in the beta phase. As we mentioned earlier, our alpha and beta development cycle runs in parallel. As a result, the two departments communicate back and forth to stay on track while adhering to the documentation shared by the project manager.
Testing of Beta Phase Development
Like alpha, we also involve the client in the beta phase testing. Now, the project has taken the form of a full-fledged product. The client measures the product from the business perspective and shares their verdict with us. If things seem good to go, we move towards the next step or revise the build with the necessary changes.
Deployment
Now, the wait is over. We simply deliver the product to our clients to infuse success into their business model and drive growth.
In the last…
We hope you gained valuable insights into the Cubix work process, which Shoaib Abdul Ghaffar has spelled out. More or less, you will find every development company following the same cycle. What matters here most is how you manage things at the individual level. There is no secret to development, but we have a devoted team that executes projects to the highest degree possible. If the highest standard of development is what you are looking for, we are eager to serve you because we play the game with the best for the best.
