The four checks
Same risks Polymorph uses before recommending a build. No contact details required to start.
1. Value
Does it address a real need, or a nice-to-have?
2. Business viability
Will it work for the business, not only for users?
3. Usability
Can people figure it out without frustration?
4. Technical feasibility
What can you build with the time and resources you have?
Used by teams who want clarity before a big build. Public example: OneDayOnly, 515k+ installs in year one. We also tell you when not to build.
Start the assessment
Four questions. Then unlock your summary with a work email.
Will your software be valuable?
Developing an app that users don't find value in using is a sure way to fail. Make sure you address a real need.
Does your software make business sense?
Will you get the required business value, and will sales, marketing, finance and legal be able to support it?
Will people be able to use it without frustration?
Usability risk is users who can't figure out your software. Most of that can be tested before you write code.
What can you build with the time and resources you have?
"Can it be done?" is the wrong question. Anything can, with unlimited time. The right question is what fits your constraints.
Where should we send your assessment?
You've done the thinking. Enter a work email to unlock your summary. No obligation. Phone is optional.
Here's how your idea looks across the four risks
Qualitative signals only. No invented ROI. In production, the emailed report carries the same framing.
Who built this
Stellenbosch-based partner
Software and product partner. Clarity first: diagnostic concept design before major build spend.
Why this calculator
- Same four risks Polymorph uses before recommending a build
- Honest "don't build this yet" when evidence isn't there
- Natural next step: a conversation, not a hard sell
What Polymorph's software calculator does
Polymorph's free software calculator helps you stress-test a software idea before you commit budget. You answer four checks (value, business viability, usability, technical feasibility) with no contact details required to start. A work email unlocks a qualitative value assessment report. It does not invent ROI percentages or quote pricing.
- Value: does it address a real need?
- Business viability: will the business support it?
- Usability: can people figure it out?
- Technical feasibility: what fits your time and resources?
Frequently asked questions
What is a software development cost calculator from Polymorph?
It is a free four-check stress-test of your idea, not a rand quote generator. You get qualitative signals across value, viability, usability and feasibility, then an emailed summary.
Do I need to give my phone number to start?
No. You complete the four checks first. Work email is only required when you unlock the report. Phone and company are optional.
Will I get an ROI percentage or a price?
No. The report uses qualitative signals only. Polymorph does not invent ROI figures or publish concept-design fees on this page.
Who is the calculator for?
Teams who want clarity before a big build. Public example: OneDayOnly reached 515k+ installs in year one with Polymorph alongside their engineering team. We also tell you when not to build.
What should I read if I'm still deciding whether to build at all?
Download Polymorph's free SA Business Leader's Guide to Custom Software. It owns build vs buy and explains the four risks in full. This calculator runs those risks on a specific idea.
When should I talk to Polymorph?
After you've seen the signals, if you want a conversation about what to do next. Talk to Polymorph at polymorph.co.za/contact-polymorph/.