Why a well-planned discovery phase is crucial for software development (2)

10.10.2025

8 min

by Oleksandr Oleshko

blog image
In software development, a successful project isn’t just about writing code – it’s about solving real problems effectively. One of the most critical yet often overlooked steps in the development process is the Discovery Phase. This phase lays the foundation for building a scalable, efficient, and user-centric product that meets both business and user needs.

Project overview

We developed a music publishing and listening platform that connects music producers with customers seeking high-quality tracks and curated albums. The product consists of two parts: a user portal, where listeners browse and play music, and an admin panel, where platform administrators manage albums, upload tracks, and handle content submissions from producers.

The platform supports audio streaming, advanced filtering, content management, and producer-platform communication. It delivers a smooth listening experience – while giving administrators full control over music catalog management.

User flows & features

1. User Portal

Designed for listeners who want to discover and enjoy new music.

Users can:

  1. Browse available albums and tracks

  2. Use filters (genre, mood, tempo, release date, producer, etc.) to find the most relevant songs

  3. Listen to tracks directly in the browser through an integrated audio player

  4. Contact support via the contact form for help or inquiries

  5. Get in touch with the platform team if they are producers interested in publishing their music

The UI is optimized for quick loading, smooth transitions, and intuitive music exploration.


2. Producer interaction

Music producers can:

  1. Reach out via a built-in support/contact form

  2. Submit their interest in publishing music on the platform

  3. Communicate with the platform team for approvals, album creation, or metadata clarification

While producers do not upload music directly, they collaborate with administrators who manage their submissions.


3. Admin panel

A powerful content-management dashboard for platform operators.

Administrators can:

  1. Create new albums or edit existing ones

  2. Upload audio files (songs/tracks) in supported formats

  3. Configure album attributes: a. title, description, cover image b. genre, mood, tags c. producer details d. track order

  4. Manage producer submissions and support requests

  5. Publish or unpublish albums instantly

The panel is designed for efficient workflows and minimal friction in managing large music libraries.

Our contribution

Our team delivered the platform end-to-end, including:

  1. Full architecture design and implementation of user + admin systems

  2. Development of audio upload, storage, and streaming functionality

  3. Building advanced album filtering and catalog search

  4. Implementing the admin CMS for albums and track management

  5. Setting up CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions

  6. Deploying and maintaining the solution on AWS

Team:

Fullstack developers: Mykhailo Yevseniev, Illia Shelegov.

Backend developer: Roman Hranovskyi.

Design: Daria Redko.

const express = require('express');
const mysql = require('mysql');
const app = express();

app.use(express.json());

// ❌ Exposed Database Credentials (Security Issue)
const db = mysql.createConnection({
    host: 'localhost',
    user: 'admin',
    password: 'password123', // ❌ Hardcoded password
    database: 'users_db'
});

db.connect(err => {
    if (err) {
        console.log("Database Connection Failed!"); // ❌ No proper error handling
    }
    console.log('Connected to Database');
});

// ❌ Missing Authentication & Authorization (Anyone can call this)
app.get('/users', async (req, res) => {
    // ❌ SQL Injection Risk (User input should be parameterized)
    const query = `SELECT * FROM users WHERE role = '${req.query.role}'`; 

    db.query(query, (err, results) => {
        if (err) {
            res.status(500).json({ error: err.message }); // ❌ Generic error message (Exposes internal DB details)
        }
        res.json(results); // ❌ No validation before sending response
    });
});

// ❌ Blocking Operation (Synchronous File Read in API)
const fs

The Impact of a Well-Executed Discovery Phase

Projects that undergo a structured Discovery Phase are more likely to be completed on time, within budget, and with fewer revisions. This phase sets the groundwork for a seamless development process, ensuring that the final product is both scalable and aligned with business objectives.

Final Thoughts

Investing time in the Discovery Phase saves money and effort in the long run. It ensures that the software is built with a clear vision, using the right tools, and with a user-first approach. Whether you're developing a financial app, SaaS product, or enterprise solution, taking the time to plan strategically will always lead to a better outcome. At [Your Software Development Agency], we prioritize thorough research, structured planning, and seamless execution to deliver software solutions that drive real value. Let’s build something great together!

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