Free Scoping Call
Thirty minutes to talk through your software or electronics project, confirm whether I am a good fit and agree practical next steps.
If you have an idea for a software application, an electronic circuit or a connected device and are not sure where to start, the scoping call is the simplest way in. You describe the problem, I ask questions, and you and I work out whether there is a sensible next step.
I reply to arrange a time that suits you and confirm the format of the call. Nothing is committed and no charge applies.
What the call covers
The conversation stays practical. I want to understand the problem well enough to say something useful about it, and you want to know whether it is worth taking further. In half an hour, the conversation normally covers:
- What the software, circuit or device should do, and who it is for.
- What exists already: an idea, an early prototype, a live system or someone else's design.
- The constraints that shape the answer, such as budget, deadlines, an existing platform or hardware already in hand.
- The main technical risks and unknowns, at least at a high level.
- Which service fits, and what a realistic first step would look like.
What you get from it
A scoping call is a conversation, not a deliverable, so there is no report at the end. You should come away with a clearer view of:
- whether the project is well matched to how I work;
- whether you need advice on decisions, hands-on engineering, or neither yet;
- the next step that makes sense, and what it would involve;
- an honest answer if I am not the right person for the job.
What the scoping call is not
The scoping call is not a quotation, a feasibility study, a design review or free engineering work. I do not produce a design, code, a written technical assessment or a fixed price from it; those need properly scoped work with agreed outputs and charges.
Who it suits
The call is for the stage before a project is defined. It tends to suit:
You have an idea for a software application, an electronic circuit or a connected device and want a second opinion before committing.
You have inherited or support an existing system and are not sure whether it should be repaired, improved or replaced.
You have a technical problem that could be advice, an investigation or development work, and you want help telling them apart.
You are gathering options for a manager, board or colleague and need a clearer view of what is realistic.
How to prepare
You do not need a specification or a slide deck. A few notes on the following are plenty, and it helps if you send them with your enquiry:
- A short description of the problem and what you would like it to do.
- Who uses the system or device, and what happens today.
- What already exists: code, schematics, PCB files, documentation or nothing at all.
- Any fixed constraints, such as an existing platform, hardware already bought or a date you are working towards.
- What you would consider a good outcome from the call.
Before sharing sensitive information, please review the NDA & Confidentiality Guidelines, which explain the confidentiality terms I will generally accept.
Scoping call, Technical Advice or Flexible Engineering?
These three offerings sit at different points in a project, and the call is usually how you find out which one you need.
Free Scoping Call
Free, 30 minutes and no obligation. Best when the project is still taking shape, or when you are unsure which service applies.
Technical Advice
A paid session for practical engineering input on an idea or an existing system, with the whole advice brief capped at two hours. Read more about Technical Advice.
Flexible Engineering
Hands-on delivery charged hourly, with a spending cap agreed before work starts. Use it when you already know what needs building, fixing or investigating. Read more about Flexible Engineering.
Free Scoping Call FAQ
Is the scoping call really free?
Yes. The call is free of charge and there is no obligation to book paid work afterwards.
How long does the scoping call take?
It is planned as a 30-minute conversation. If there is more to work through, you and I can agree whether a paid Technical Advice session would be a better fit.
Is the call a quotation, feasibility study or design review?
No. The scoping call is a discussion, not a quotation, feasibility study, design review or free engineering work. Any price for development work needs a separate, properly scoped quotation or Work Brief.
What happens after the scoping call?
You and I agree the most sensible next step. If you want to go ahead, that is normally either Technical Advice or Flexible Engineering, with the charges set out in a Work Brief before any paid work starts.
Can I share confidential information?
Before sharing sensitive information, please review the NDA & Confidentiality Guidelines. I am happy to sign reasonable confidentiality agreements.
Request a free scoping call
Send me a short outline of your project and I will reply to arrange a time. The call is free of charge, lasts around 30 minutes and carries no obligation.