Software Development Blog

How to Brief Developers and Actually Get What You Want

Clear goals and good communication make all the difference.

Working with developers does not need to feel like guesswork. Most problems in a project do not come from code, they come from unclear requirements, missing details, and assumptions that never get spoken out loud. A good brief can save days of back-and-forth and lead to a smoother, faster build.

The first step is clarity. Developers work best when they know the exact outcome you want, not just the tool or method you think should be used. “Make the form nicer” is vague. “Add spacing, reduce the number of fields, and highlight the submit button” is actionable.

Context matters just as much. Tell developers who the feature is for, why it is needed, and what success looks like. A small sentence like “This is for mobile-first users” or “This must work for non-technical staff” can change the entire approach in the right direction.

Good communication also means deciding what is fixed and what is flexible. If the deadline cannot move, say so. If the design is only a rough guide, say that too. Developers are not mind-readers but they work incredibly well when they know the boundaries.

Finally, keep the conversation open. A brief is not a contract; it is a starting point. The best results come when you give clarity on the goal and let developers suggest the simplest, most reliable way to reach it.

If you want great work, give great briefs. Clear, honest communication turns development from a gamble into a partnership.