If you are launching a digital product, you’re no stranger to the occasional bug that creeps into your technical team’s development process. As a non-technical founder it may be frustrating to come across these roadblocks, but here’s the truth: bugs are a normal part of the product development journey.
Here are some tips on how to manage development bugs as a non-technical founder:
1. Keep Calm
First things first, take a deep breath and remember that bugs happen. It’s important to approach issues with a calm and rational mindset. It may be frustrating to not get something right, but remember that even the most successful products have had their fair share of bug encounters. Bugs are often an indication that your product is being tested, refined, and fine-tuned.
2. Look for Patterns
That being said, there are instances when you should definitely take action. If you notice a pattern of consistent issues, missed deadlines without valid explanations, or poor communication from your development team, it’s time to address the situation. These are red flags that can jeopardize your product’s quality and progress. Don’t hesitate to have an open and honest conversation with your team or consider seeking alternative solutions if necessary.
3. Have a System in Place
Having a bug prioritization system helps your team classify the impact of the issue. While every bug should be taken seriously, it is not always a fire drill. Can a spark turn into a fire? Yes, but you and your team need to know whether to use a drop of water or a fire truck to put it out.
Bugs in software development are typically classified based on their impact on the system and its users.
Here are some common classifications of bugs and their general definitions:
1. Critical or Showstopper
These are the most severe types of bugs. They can crash the system or one of its critical components, leading to data loss, or they may expose major security vulnerabilities. The product cannot be released until these bugs are fixed.
2. High Priority
These bugs significantly impact functionality, but do not necessarily cause the entire system to fail. These bugs need to be resolved as soon as possible after any critical bugs are fixed.
3. Medium Priority
These bugs are less severe and may only affect less important features or have workarounds available. They can often be scheduled for future sprints or releases.
4. Low Priority
These bugs are mostly minor and have little effect on the software’s overall functionality. They could be about a cosmetic issue, a spelling mistake, a problem that only occurs in rare circumstances, or a slight deviation from the specifications. They are often fixed as time allows.
When you classify bugs, it is important to consider both the severity of the bug (how much it impacts the system when it happens) and the priority of fixing it (how important it is to fix the bug quickly). The priority is often a business decision, while the severity is often technical.
This classification helps the development team prioritize their tasks and manage their workload. Because you don’t want a team that is only taking care of bugs.
How We Handle Bugs at Nolte
At Nolte, we understand the challenges bugs present. To minimize their impact, we implement proactive strategies. Our team follows rigorous testing processes at every stage of development and we have monitoring strategies and tools to send us alerts once an error has been detected, allowing us to catch and address bugs early on. We adhere to industry best practices, ensuring that our code is clean, maintainable, and less prone to issues. Additionally, we foster a culture of continuous learning, keeping our developers updated with the latest technologies and bug-fixing techniques. This equips us to handle challenges effectively and efficiently.
Transparency and open communication are fundamental to our approach. We believe in keeping you informed about the bugs we encounter and the steps we’re taking to resolve them. Your feedback is invaluable, and we actively involve you in the bug-fixing process. By working collaboratively, we can navigate the complexities of product development and ensure that your vision is realized.
Remember, bugs are a part of the process. They’re annoying, but they don’t define your product’s success. Approach them with a level-headed mindset and focus on supporting your team in finding solutions. With effective communication, teamwork, and a reliable development partner, you can overcome these obstacles and create a remarkable product.
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