Discovery & Product Definition

Start with an idea. Define what to build.

You do not need a finished specification to begin. Tell us the problem you want to solve or share your requirements. We shape them into a clear product scope and a plan for the complete software development lifecycle (SDLC).

Connect business intent to delivery

Discovery creates the shared direction for software development, infrastructure, DevOps, QA, documentation, security and compliance.

  • Understand users, workflows and business goals
  • Define requirements and acceptance criteria
  • Agree priorities, constraints and delivery scope

From idea to requirements

Make the right work clear before building.

We work with you to understand the business problem, who will use the solution and how it fits into your operations. Existing requirements are a starting point; an idea is enough to start the conversation.

We map user journeys, integrations, data needs and operational constraints. Then we turn that understanding into a prioritized scope that guides implementation and gives testing a clear basis.

Follow the plan through complete software delivery →

What to bring

A description of your idea or the requirements you already have.

If available, examples of current workflows, user needs, existing systems and timing or budget constraints help us give the work context. We develop the technical detail with you.

Product definition

A plan that connects the whole lifecycle.

We define the outputs needed for your project and keep them connected as requirements evolve. Carefully orchestrated AI agents and tools support analysis and documentation, with human review and your input on business decisions.

Scope & priorities

Product goals, user workflows, a prioritized backlog and delivery milestones, with assumptions and dependencies made explicit.

Architecture & operations

Technical options, integrations, data flows and infrastructure requirements, including deployment, monitoring and operational responsibilities.

Quality & acceptance

Acceptance criteria, a testing approach and documentation needs, so development and QA work toward the same requirements.

Security & compliance needs

Access, data handling and applicable compliance requirements identified early, with agreed controls and evidence included in the delivery scope.

See how discovery connects to delivery →

Solution packages

Choose the support your product needs.

Discovery and product definition are part of All-in-one. If you already have a Product Owner and a defined direction, Development only may be the right fit.

All-in-one

Start with your idea or requirements. We facilitate the complete SDLC, including consultancy, product definition, infrastructure, automation, execution and delivery.

Development only

A Product Owner on your side is required to manage priorities, clarify requirements and accept the work. We deliver development within the agreed scope.

Custom

Need a discovery engagement or a specific combination of capabilities? Contact us to arrange a call and agree the scope.

All packages: €40 per started hour of human work.

We bill for the human time spent planning, orchestrating AI agents and tools, and testing. Agent runtime is not billed as human working time.

The introductory discussion is free. Discovery is paid at the same hourly rate; its scope and estimate are agreed before it begins.

VAT, cloud infrastructure and compute charges are not included.

Ownership & confidentiality

Your project. Your intellectual property.

Your existing IP stays yours. We assign to you all IP rights in the bespoke code, designs and documentation we create for your project, with ownership set out in our agreement.

Third-party and open-source components remain subject to their respective licences.

Confidentiality comes first

We sign an agreed non-disclosure agreement (NDA), provided by you or by us, before confidential project details are shared. Start with a brief, non-confidential introduction.

We use OpenAI Codex agents under Cardinal Solutions’ supervision. Our use of AI is subject to the confidentiality terms agreed with you. Read about AI and confidentiality.

Arrange an NDA and introduction →

Related capabilities

Complete Software Delivery

Connect discovery, development, QA and operations through one coordinated delivery process.

Explore Complete Software Delivery →

DevOps & Automation

Connect code, tests, environments and releases through repeatable automation.

Explore DevOps & Automation →

Infrastructure & Security

Plan and implement environments, operational controls and security requirements.

Explore Infrastructure & Security →