Simplifying the Research and Solution Design Process in 3 Simple Steps

Doug LaBahn
December 5, 2024

In tech advisory, the research and solution design phase is where the real fun starts. But before we get into it, let’s quickly review everything it took to get to this point:

By now, you’ve:

Now, we’re focusing on the research and solution design phase, which is the 6th part of our 10-step tech advisory process. This phase is all about taking all the insights, assessments, and details you gathered and channeling them into the best combination of apps, systems, and workflows to transform your client’s tech stack.

In this blog, we’ll go over the three main steps in Research and Solution Design with practical tips to enhance and simplify the process.

So let’s get into it!

1. Identifying the Right Apps

At this point, you’ve analyzed the current tech stack and have already identified which apps to keep, update, and remove. Now, it’s time to find the new apps that will replace the old ones in your solution design.

To ensure alignment with the client’s goals, needs, and desired outcomes, refer back to the information you collected during the needs assessment and requirements gathering phases, including all the interviews, surveys, and usage data you pulled. Use this information as a roadmap or checklist to help you identify the right apps and workflows.

There are multiple ways that tech advisors research and find the right apps. They will often use app directories, peer reviews, and product trials to not only explore what’s available but also evaluate them for client suitability.

To save time, tech advisors will often create combinations of app stacks grouped by industry, business size, and other factors.

For example, if you have a lot of accounting firms as clients, you might want to bundle some of the most common accounting apps together such as Xero, QuickBooks, and Dext. Of course, you’ll still want to customize the app selection based on your client’s unique needs, but at the very least, doing this can provide a foundation of reliable and trusted apps to build upon instead of starting over again from scratch with each new client. (Check out StackPlan for some great app stack examples)

2. Map the Processes to Create Faster Workflows

Before designing the new workflows, you need a clear understanding of the client’s current processes to provide a baseline for improvements. That’s why tech advisors start by mapping out the current processes first to pinpoint any bottlenecks, gaps, manual processes, and other redundancies/inefficiencies.

Make sure to include the following in your process maps:

Where the process begins and ends
All the actions taken in-between
All of the roles and responsibilities involved (bonus points if you can include the job titles because this makes it easier for handing off and onboarding, as well as helping to futureproof the process maps in the cases of organizational or personnel changes)
All of the systems and apps used in the process

Make sure to highlight the manual processes, delays, and areas of frustration — and don’t forget to note any manual workarounds that clients may have developed, either. Remember: the more comprehensive these process maps are, the better.

Another thing that’s extremely important — make sure to record how much time these processes take. Think of it as the “Before” snapshot with the shortened time of the new workflows being the “After” photo. In other words, it’s an easy way for you to show ROI by comparing how long the old processes took to how much faster the new workflows are post-implementation.

Once the current processes are all mapped out, you can begin designing the new workflows, keeping all the frustrations and redundancies of the old processes in mind so you can streamline and fix them.

For best results, focus on scalable, automated solutions and then obsessively test and refine the new workflows in collaboration with the client.

3. Communicating Your Solutions to Clients

Here’s one of the first things tech advisors should do when communicating with clients — drop the jargon! Instead, simplify your language into client-friendly benefits that answer the age-old question of “What’s in it for me?” because that’s all clients really care about at the end of the day. Plus, this framing makes it easier to show off the ROI, too, which will make clients feel your tech advisory services were valuable and worth it.

Another thing to remember is that everyone loves a good story, so storytelling is key when presenting your findings and explaining your rationale. And if you’re able to center the client as the star or main character, you’re guaranteed to have their undivided attention — that’s just human psychology 101. So think about how you can build a narrative where clients can clearly see how your recommendations address their pain points.

A great way to bring your solutions to life and captivate clients is with the power of visuals. If we’re still thinking about it as a story, the visuals should complement what you’re saying, like in a picturebook. But instead of fluffy bunnies, your visuals will be in the form of diagrams, demos, charts, and graphs that make the data easier to understand at a glance. It also helps the visual learners who quickly get bored of walls of text and long presentations.

You should also be prepared to answer any questions, especially when it comes to cost and training, which are usually the biggest objections tech advisors face from clients. But if you answer calmly with clear, well-thought responses, it will go a long way in making clients feel better about any misgivings and they’ll be more likely to trust your expertise and recommendations.

Research and Solution Design Made Easy

Finding the right apps, mapping out the processes, and communicating with clients are integral parts of the tech advisory process and the tips provided in this article will help ensure your solution design delivers the best possible client outcomes.

For more success stories and other resources, check out our Tech Advisory Hub.