Outcomes, Outcomes, Outcomes

Let’s face it – ‘Outcome Driven’ might sound like jargon, something consultants throw around to justify their fees (and rub their hands with delight). But beneath the buzzwords is a genuinely important principle: understanding exactly what you’re trying to achieve before diving into building anything.

At Spork, we design and build digital products across web, mobile, TV, and wearables. We integrate platforms, connect services, and solve digital problems. We’ve done it successfully for over 14 years, and we understand that great software can positively transform businesses – and people’s lives. But we also understand something critical:

1 - Software alone doesn’t create change

Too often, teams rush into projects without a clear understanding of why they’re building in the first place. You’ve probably seen it: “We need a new website,” or, “We have to build this app because our competitors did.” But without clarity on what you’re actually trying to achieve, you risk ending up with a technically impressive solution that doesn’t solve the real issue.

Think of it like buying a hammer without knowing if you’re assembling a cabinet or hanging a picture—you might just end up hitting your thumb.

Being clear about outcomes means knowing precisely what success looks like and why it’s important. If you’re updating your website because your marketing strategy has shifted, great—that makes sense. But if you’re doing it just because it hasn’t changed in a while, you might be better off spending your resources elsewhere.

Always start with the outcome, and you’ll save yourself from building something unnecessary.

2 - Outcomes first, features second

Focusing solely on features is a common trap. While features matter – and can certainly delight users – they’re only valuable if they’re clearly aligned with the outcomes your business needs to achieve.

The truth is, there are typically several ways to achieve the same outcome. You might initially picture an elaborate, feature-rich solution, yet sometimes a simpler approach will achieve the same goal more effectively, faster, or at lower cost. Factors such as budget constraints, technical feasibility, user experience, and time-to-market should guide your feature decisions.

At Spork, we advocate a flexible approach to feature selection. Clearly define your desired outcomes, set measurable goals, and remain open-minded about how to get there. Features are tools – not ends in themselves. Sometimes the simplest, leanest path is the smartest.

In essence, outcomes should always drive decisions. Features? They’re simply the means to the impactful end you’re aiming for.

If you and your team are looking for help defining a blisteringly clear roadmap that delivers impactful outcomes—without getting lost in unnecessary features—let’s have a conversation. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.