by Tega AkuruliFrom Vision to Code
Bridging the gap between your business idea and a developer’s code can feel like trying to speak an entirely different language. But turning your vision into reality doesn’t require you to know how to code it requires clarity, confidence, and collaboration.
Here’s how to make your tech team understand your business idea without feeling out of place:
1. Lead with the Problem
Every great product starts with a clear problem. Instead of jumping into features or solutions, tell your tech team what issue you’re solving. For example:
“Retail shops in Abuja struggle to track loyal customers this affects repeat sales.”
Tech teams thrive on solving problems. Give them something meaningful to build toward.
2. Tell a User Story
Walk them through a day in the life of your target user. Paint a picture of how the product will be used:
“The store owner logs into the app, enters a customer’s name, and the system shows loyalty points in real-time.”
This story helps developers understand how the user will experience the product, not just how it should function.
3. Skip the Jargon—Use Analogies
If you’re not technical, don’t pretend to be. Analogies are your best friend. Think of your product like:
“A digital stamp card that sends SMS reminders.”
It’s more useful than trying to guess at frameworks or architectures.
4. Define Outcomes, Not Features
Focus on what the product should achieve, not how it should be built:
- “We want customers to get instant support without waiting.”
- “Let’s build a chatbot with NLP and ML integration.”
Leave the how to your developers they’re better equipped to decide.
5. Write It Down
Create a short, plain-English document that covers:
- The problem
- Target users
- Desired outcomes
- Basic workflow or sketch
- Must-have features
This ensures you’re aligned before coding starts and prevents rework later.
6. Invite Feedback Early
Your idea will improve with input. Encourage your tech team to ask questions and suggest alternatives. If they propose a simpler, more scalable solution listen.
You’re not just hiring them to build what you say you’re collaborating to build what works.
7. Own What You Don’t Know
It’s okay not to know what an API is. Be upfront:
“I’m not sure what tech stack makes sense can you walk me through the pros and cons?”
This builds trust, respect, and saves everyone time.
Your role isn’t to code it’s to lead with vision. By communicating clearly, sharing real-world context, and trusting your tech team’s expertise, you turn your idea into something buildable. From vision to code, the bridge is built on conversation.