What are the most effective sources of inspiration for systems development?

Systems development is the process of creating or modifying information systems to meet the needs and goals of an organization or a user. It involves various activities, such as planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. But where do systems developers get their ideas and inspiration for creating or improving systems? In this article, we will explore some of the most effective sources of inspiration for systems development, and how they can help you deliver better solutions.

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1 User Feedback

One of the most important sources of inspiration for systems development is user feedback. User feedback is the information that you collect from the people who use or will use your system, such as their needs, preferences, expectations, problems, suggestions, and satisfaction. User feedback can help you identify the requirements and specifications of your system, as well as the potential issues and improvements. You can collect user feedback through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations, usability tests, and reviews.

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Eileen Bressler

Financial Services Consulting | Functional Dynamics CRM Consultant | Senior Manager | Business Operations Excellence | Change Management | Process Improvement | IT Systems | Center of Excellence
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Systems development is most effective when the users are invited to contribute. User feedback is critical to understanding the areas that need attention and how a process works in reality, not the way it was designed to work. My most successful projects were ones in which we looked at a process in its entirety, and let the end user drive. IT and project management should "watch" and take note of better ways to accomplish the tasks. It should, however, be driven by the end users.

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2 Industry Trends

Another source of inspiration for systems development is industry trends. Industry trends are the changes and developments that occur in your field or sector, such as new technologies, standards, regulations, best practices, customer demands, and competitors. Industry trends can help you understand the current and future state of your market, as well as the opportunities and challenges that you face. You can monitor industry trends through various sources, such as journals, reports, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, webinars, and conferences.

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Eileen Bressler

Financial Services Consulting | Functional Dynamics CRM Consultant | Senior Manager | Business Operations Excellence | Change Management | Process Improvement | IT Systems | Center of Excellence
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It's critical to monitor industry trends and incorporate new technologies on an ongoing basis. It's also important to always be aware of industry regulations to ensure that the corporation is adhering to the rules and the processes are designed to support that as well.

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3 Business Goals

A third source of inspiration for systems development is business goals. Business goals are the objectives and outcomes that you or your organization want to achieve, such as increasing revenue, reducing costs, improving quality, enhancing customer satisfaction, or gaining a competitive advantage. Business goals can help you align your system with your strategy and vision, as well as measure your performance and progress. You can define and communicate your business goals through various tools, such as mission statements, vision statements, SWOT analysis, SMART goals, and KPIs.

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4 Creativity Techniques

A fourth source of inspiration for systems development is creativity techniques. Creativity techniques are the methods and tools that you use to generate, explore, and evaluate new and original ideas for your system, such as brainstorming, mind mapping, SCAMPER, TRIZ, six thinking hats, or lateral thinking. Creativity techniques can help you overcome mental blocks, challenge assumptions, expand possibilities, and find innovative solutions. You can apply creativity techniques individually or collaboratively, using paper, software, or online platforms.

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5 Existing Systems

A fifth source of inspiration for systems development is existing systems. Existing systems are the systems that already exist in your domain or context, such as similar or related systems, legacy systems, or alternative systems. Existing systems can help you learn from the experiences and practices of others, as well as identify the strengths and weaknesses of your system. You can analyze existing systems through various techniques, such as benchmarking, reverse engineering, prototyping, or case studies.

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Eileen Bressler

Financial Services Consulting | Functional Dynamics CRM Consultant | Senior Manager | Business Operations Excellence | Change Management | Process Improvement | IT Systems | Center of Excellence
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Legacy systems should be evaluated and the processes documented. It is critical to understand what the system does behind the scenes when a user inputs data to produce an end product. When moving to a new system or designing a new system, IT must always make it a seamless transition for the customers and ensure there is no loss to functionality, only enhancements.

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6 Personal Interests

A sixth source of inspiration for systems development is personal interests. Personal interests are the topics or activities that you are passionate or curious about, such as hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies, hobbies,

hobbies, or causes. Personal interests can help you find motivation and enjoyment in your work, as well as connect with your users and stakeholders. You can incorporate your personal interests into your system through various ways, such as themes, features, design elements, or stories.

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Manuel Faleschini

►Founder: Byte Emotions | Software Engineer | Cybersecurity | High-tech + High-touch
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As a Software Engineer, I would say hobbies play an important role. 😄 As you see, be curious and have fun. You will not last long in this highly complex field if you don't have a good portion of humor.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective sources of inspiration for systems development?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 User Feedback

2 Industry Trends

3 Business Goals

4 Creativity Techniques

5 Existing Systems

6 Personal Interests

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

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What are the most effective sources of inspiration for systems development?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 User Feedback

2 Industry Trends

3 Business Goals

4 Creativity Techniques

5 Existing Systems

6 Personal Interests

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

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