This “pause before launch” reduces risk, prevents costly rework, and builds long-term confidence in digital transformation decisions.
TL;DR
Notitia uses detailed comparison documents to help clients understand the trade-offs between different technology options before committing to a solution.
By mapping technical and operational implications (from cost and security to connectivity and skills) clients are empowered to participate in the decision-making process.
It’s a small “hit pause” on the tech launch, that saves months of rework later. When clients understand the trade-offs, they make better decisions. And that’s how trust is built.
Why comparison matters
Notitia’s solution design process doesn’t stop at what could work; it looks closely at what works best for this business.
Our team calls these “comparison documents” which are detailed breakdowns of potential tools, methods, or architectures that weigh both the technical and human implications.
These documents aren’t about proving one tool right and another wrong. They’re about creating clarity, Notitia Managing Director Alex Avery says.
"We present our clients with well-researched options," he says.
"What each approach offers, where the risks lie, and how it fits within their organisation’s context.
"That research gives clients a seat at the decision-making table. We don’t instruct on what solution to use, we instead focus on why something is recommended."
Tailoring trade-offs to each business
Every organisation has its own constraints and priorities. Cost, timeline, skills, security, data governance, and even internet connectivity can all reshape a solution.
The trade-offs are never one-size-fits-all, Alex says.
"A tool that’s perfect for one client might fall apart in another environment.
"The goal is to map those differences before a single dollar is spent."
Real-world example:
We had a recent engagement where a client’s remote sites often lost connectivity.
That single insight instantly ruled out several cloud-based systems. Once we understood their real-world constraints, the shortlist changed completely.
This kind of deep context gathering ensures that recommendations are not just technically sound but operationally viable. It’s one of the reasons Notitia’s clients trust the consultancy to get it right the first time.
Collaboration through transparency
Comparison documents also serve a bigger purpose: collaboration.
When clients see the research laid out clearly: The pros, cons, and unknowns. We’re all looking at the same information, starting from the same point. That’s where ownership begins.
Notitia Director, Pierre du Preez says that the process turns decision-making into a shared exercise.
"It reduces bias, encourages open discussion, and transforms complex technical language into something accessible," he says.
It’s not about dazzling people with jargon, it’s about empowering them to ask the right questions."
Empowering non-technical clients
Not all clients come from a data or technology background, and that’s exactly who this process is designed for.
The moment a non-technical client can explain the trade-offs between two systems in their own words, you know you’ve hit the mark.
They’re no longer being prescribed a solution, they’re participating in designing it.
This shift from passive approval to active collaboration builds long-term confidence. Clients learn what questions to ask in future projects and gain a clearer understanding of how technology decisions connect to their business outcomes.
“It’s education in disguise,” Brett says with a grin. “We don’t run workshops — we build knowledge through every conversation, every comparison, every decision.”
Confidence through education
Technology projects can be intimidating, even for experienced organisations. Budgets are high, dependencies are complex, and the risk of disruption is real. Deep research reduces that anxiety.
Once clients see how much thought has gone into analysing their options, they relax. They know they’re not being sold something, they’re being guided through it.
That transparency turns uncertainty into understanding. The research doesn’t just justify a decision; it documents the reasoning behind it, providing a blueprint for future choices.
We’ve had clients refer back to those documents years later. It becomes part of their organisational knowledge, not just a project file.
A culture of informed decision-making
Notitia’s approach reflects a broader philosophy shared across the team: the belief that better technology starts with better communication.
Every project is a learning partnership. We’re not here to impose technology, we’re here to make sure it fits. Deep research and open comparison are how we get there.
It’s an approach that has quietly reshaped how many of Notitia’s clients think about data and digital transformation. Rather than viewing solution design as a one-off technical phase, they now see it as an ongoing collaboration. One that builds literacy, confidence, and trust.
Empowering clients isn’t about giving them every answer. It’s about giving them the tools to make decisions that stand up over time.
Through deep research, open comparison, and clear communication, Notitia helps clients take ownership of their technology choices, not because they have to, but because they want to.
Want to talk about your next data or digital project? Get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a comparison document in solution design?
A comparison document is a structured breakdown of multiple potential tools, platforms, or architectures. It outlines the pros, cons, risks, trade-offs, and operational implications of each option in plain language. Rather than pushing a single recommendation, it presents researched options so clients can make informed decisions.
Why does Notitia invest time in deep research before launching technology?
A short pause upfront can prevent months of rework later.
Deep research uncovers constraints that may not be immediately obvious, such as internet connectivity, internal skill gaps, security requirements, or governance limitations. Understanding these factors early ensures the solution is not just technically sound, but operationally viable.
How does this reduce project risk?
Risk is reduced in three key ways:
- Clarity before commitment – Clients understand trade-offs before budget is spent.
- Operational alignment – Recommendations reflect real-world constraints.
- Shared ownership – Decisions are collaborative, not imposed.
This minimises surprises during implementation and reduces the likelihood of major redesigns.
About Alex Avery, Notitia Managing Director + Founder
Alex Avery is the Managing Director and Founder of Notitia, an Australian data and digital transformation consultancy working across government, healthcare, community and private sectors.
A recognised voice on the intersection of data, technology, AI and public value, Alex focuses on how organisations can use trustworthy data to support better decisions and real-world outcomes.
His work spans data strategy, analytics, human-centred design and digital delivery, with a strong emphasis on practical, implementable solutions.
Alex’s career includes Big 4 consulting, global startups and academia. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne.
Today, he advises executive teams on building the systems, tools and data foundations needed to turn insight into action at scale.
Book a chat with Alex to find out how he can solve your data challenge.
