Do not index
Do not index
Scoping can be as intense as the build itself. You plan, create, and think through every detail, often putting in as much effort as the actual development work.
Recently, I’ve been rethinking the scoping process, especially in client work. How can we make it more efficient and less frustrating? I think adding a prototype to the build can help.
What is a scope?
Scope defines a project's requirements and ensures everyone is on the same page. Whether through a traditional document or a Product Requirements Document (PRD), it’s the starting point for any project.
Problems with traditional scoping
Traditional scoping usually takes weeks to draft detailed documents. After the client signs off, the work begins, but issues can arise. Scopes can expand unexpectedly, overlooked requirements appear, and unforeseen challenges complicate the project. Long documents also aren’t the easiest to react to or understand even for the most seasoned of stakeholders.
The challenge is to find balance—scope enough to reduce risk without straining the budget or timeline and keep the plan clear without overwhelming with details.
Why Your Scope Needs a Prototype
This is where a prototype can help. Instead of starting with a massive document, what if we start with a small version of the build?
Here’s why this approach works:
- Clarity: No one likes reading long, dense documents. Even detailed wireframes can’t fully capture what’s being built. But a prototype? That’s something everyone can react to. It’s tangible and leads to richer feedback from stakeholders.
- Reducing Uncertainty: Prototypes cut through uncertainty. By building something small and concrete, you see how the systems work together. There’s no better way to uncover potential trouble spots than by actually doing the work.
- Kickstarting the Build: Traditional scoping can feel like spinning your wheels. But with a prototype, you’re not just scoping; you’re kickstarting the build. Your efforts directly contribute to the final product—a double win.
How to prototype in your scope
I’m still refining the details, but here’s what I’ve learned. A document outlining the build is still essential, but integrating prototyping into the scoping process accelerates learning and improves outcomes.
Instead of asking, “What should we build?” we ask, “What can we build quickly to learn what we need?”
Even if the client has specific requests or ideas, the prototype provides detailed feedback on integration, system design, and project difficulty/complexity. This ensures alignment between the client and the development team before moving forward.
And that’s it—a small, simple prototype to get the ball rolling and give everyone a clearer sense of direction. Have you tried something similar? Let’s swap notes.
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