How We Work with Clients: A Case Study on
ShopiView

Using this project as an example, I want to share our client collaboration methodology and how we develop projects from the first meeting to the final product.
When the client approached us with the idea of ShopiView, we immediately started working together and quickly moved on to the briefing stage. Rapid immersion in the project is crucial because the sooner both sides start speaking the same language, the fewer misunderstandings and surprises will arise during the process.

1. Briefing: Defining Expectations and Goals

In our first meeting, we discussed the service idea in detail. The client explained their vision for a platform that collects video reviews from buyers with seamless integration for Shopify sellers.

What did this stage accomplish?

• For the client – a clear understanding of how we work and what steps to expect.
•  For us – a well-defined view of the project's business goals.

📌 Key advantage: Even before development began, we were already speaking the same language as the client.

💡 Check out what the briefing process looks like here: Briefing process

2. Documentation Preparation: Defining Features and Budget

After the briefing, we didnt just start coding right away—our first step was to create detailed documentation. This is a crucial stage that allows us to clearly outline all service features, define key requirements, and determine how much time and resources will be needed for implementation.

Why is this so important?

• The client gets a clear understanding of what they will receive

Without documentation, the client only has a general idea of the project. At this stage, we translate their vision into a concrete list of features: what will be included in the MVP, what limitations exist, and what can be developed in the future.

• We can accurately estimate project costs upfront 

Documentation helps us determine the exact number of development hours required. This is not just a formality—it directly impacts the pricing, ensuring that each feature is linked to a specific workload.

• The client saves time

When everything is documented in detail, there is no need for endless discussions. This helps avoid “unclear expectations, where the client envisions one thing while the team understands it differently.

Why Waterfall instead of Agile?

In most projects, we prefer Agile because it provides more flexibility. However, in this case, predictability of deadlines and budget was critical.

• Fixed stages: We know exactly when and what will be completed.
• Transparent pricing: The client immediately understands the cost of each stage.
  
• Guaranteed workflow: No features will "disappear" midway through the process.

📌 Key advantage: The client has a full understanding of what they will receive, how long it will take, and how much it will cost.

This stage helps us speak the same language with the client and lays a solid foundation for development—without any surprises.
Check the real documentation here:
ShopiView MVP Product Requirements & Use Cases
ShopiView feature list

3. Design and Wireframes: Visualizing the Service

Once the functionality and budget were clear, we moved on to visualizing the interface. This stage is just as important as development itself, because its the first time the client sees how their platform will actually work.

Why is this a key stage?

At the wireframing stage, we:

• Define user scenarios – the client doesnt just see individual pages but gets a clear picture of how users will navigate through the platform.
• Align the interface logic – the client assesses whether the structure is intuitive, if the data is presented correctly, and if everything flows logically.
• Identify weak spots – this is the moment when making adjustments is easiest, as tweaking a wireframe is far simpler than rewriting code later.

At this stage, the client gets their first visual result—even if its just black-and-white blocks, it already provides a clear understanding of how the service will look and function.

How does this save time later?

• If there are logic flaws or usability issues, they are much easier to fix at the wireframing stage.
• The client fully understands how the service will function, giving us specific feedback rather than vague comments like “something feels off.
• Developers can write code more efficiently, as all major decisions are already made, eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth discussions.

📌 Key advantage: There will be minimal revisions during development since all interfaces are pre-approved. This makes the process faster and more predictable for both us and the client.

Heres an example of our wireframes (which, to be fair, have already evolved into prototypes, but still!)

4. Clickable Prototype: First Tests Without Coding

Before moving on to development, we created a clickable prototype in Figma. This allowed the client to navigate through the service as if it were a real website and evaluate its usability.

Why is this important?

• The client could already "experience" the product at this stage and suggest adjustments.
• We avoided costly changes in the code by catching potential issues early.
• It gave a realistic sense of user flow, helping to refine the interface before development.

This was yet another crucial stage where the client could make final refinements before coding began. Having a fully interactive prototype made it easy to test what works, what
doesn't, and what needs tweaking—and the client was happy with the results.

📌 Key advantage: The client was actively involved in the process and could test the service before development even started.

5. Development: Turning Ideas into Code

Once the prototype was approved, we launched the development phase. This stage was divided into two parallel workflows:

• Our designers refined the visual design, ensuring that the final product looked polished and professional.
• Our developers transformed the approved prototypes into a working MVP

Building the Website

Since our scope also included creating a main website for the client, our design team worked on developing a clean and engaging landing page. You can check it out here:
https://shopiview.com/.
Meanwhile, our talented developers were busy bringing the service to life, ensuring that it functioned smoothly across all platforms. The goal was not just to build an MVP but tocreate a fully functional system that could undergo rigorous testing and seamlessly integrate with Shopify. Since Shopify has strict validation requirements, everything had to work flawlessly from the start.

Tech Stack Overview

Frontend:

• React + Tailwind CSS – fast, flexible, and fully responsive for mobile and desktop.
• Custom UI tailored for both sellers and reviewers.

Backend:

• PHP(Symphony) + PostgreSQL – optimized for performance and scalability.
• Shopify API Integration – automated product import and buyer data sync.
• Mailgun for Email Marketing – automated review request campaigns.
• Clever Wallet for Payments – fast and secure payouts for reviewers.

Leveraging Existing Solutions
One of our key strengths is that we dont reinvent the wheel when existing, proven solutions are available. For example, we integrated Clever Wallet, which saved both time and costs for our client. By leveraging a combination of custom development and pre-built modules, we ensured faster delivery and cost-efficiency without compromising on quality.
📌 Key advantage: Development followed a structured, pre-approved plan, avoiding unexpected delays or budget overruns.

6. Testing: Catching Bugs Before Launch

Before launching, we conducted comprehensive testing to ensure that everything worked as expected. At this stage, we didnt just check the code—we prepared the product for real users and platform validation.

What We Did:

• Validated overall system performance – making sure everything runs smoothly under different conditions.
• Conducted usability testing – early users interacted with the product, and we collected feedback on the experience.
• Fixed minor bugs and optimized API performance – ensuring the system is stable and responsive.

Preparing for Shopify Validation

Since ShopiView is a Shopify-integrated solution, we went beyond standard testing. Once we confirmed that everything functioned perfectly, we immediately started preparing an instructional video.

This video serves two key purposes:

• For users: A clear guide to help them quickly understand how to use ShopiView.
• For Shopify validators: A demonstration of how smoothly and efficiently the integration works.

Working with Shopifys Support Team

Currently, were in active communication with Shopifys support team, receiving feedback from their specialists and making minor adjustments to ensure the product meets all platform requirements.
This step is critical because Shopify has strict validation processes, and our goal is to deliver a perfectly polished product that seamlessly fits into their ecosystem.
📌 Key advantage: We develop projects as a full-cycle process—from idea to a polished, launch-ready product. And we aim to maintain this approach in all future projects as well!

Final Thoughts: Lets Build Your Dream Product Together!

From the first briefing to the final touches, we approach every project as a full-cycle development journey. As youve seen in this case, we dont just write code—we think
through every step, ensuring that your product is not just built, but fully functional, optimized, and ready to scale.

💡 We work transparently, stay within deadlines, and adapt to your needs—whether you prefer Agile, Waterfall, or a hybrid approach.
🚀 If youre looking for a team that will take your idea and turn it into a real, working product, youre in the right place.
📢 Join us, and lets create something amazing together!
At WeCanDevelopIT, we dont just build projects—we bring them to life.
📬 Lets talk! Were here to help you launch something great.

Thanks for reading, stay in touch, and have an amazing day!

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