Back to the start

Start with a person.
Follow the work.

Start with the person who needs the thing. Follow the question into a choice, a first version and something they can use. Pick up the part you need today, and come back when the work sends you somewhere else.

1 of 7 · Figure it out

Who is this for, and what do we need to learn?

Look at the situation before settling on an answer. Find the consequential question, follow the sources and make the assumptions visible.

Something to take with you

A question worth investigating, the evidence behind it and the gaps still open.

New information can change the question. Come back when an assumption stops holding.

Find this moment in the film 0:29

2 of 7 · Make a call

What is worth making, for whom, and in what form?

Put the options and tradeoffs where you can see them. Choose a direction, a shape that fits and a next step you can explain.

Something to take with you

One clear choice, its reasons and the next test or plan.

If the options all feel wrong, go back to the person and the question before choosing again.

Find this moment in the film 0:35

3 of 7 · Build something

What is the first version we can put in front of someone?

Turn the plan into parts with clear responsibilities. Choose the building guide and tools that fit, then make their behavior and limits inspectable.

Something to take with you

A first version with clear responsibilities, boundaries and checks.

What you discover while building may change the plan. Bring that evidence back into the next choice.

Find this moment in the film 0:41

4 of 7 · Make it better

Where does the experience get in someone’s way?

Look at the experience, the design and the parts that failed. Make a deliberate revision and name the evidence that would show it helped.

Something to take with you

One intentional improvement and a way to check its usefulness.

A new observation may call for a small revision, another prototype or a different direction.

Find this moment in the film 0:47

5 of 7 · Make it visible

How can someone see what this is and why it matters?

Find the visual direction, tell the story and show the real product. Bring images, films and demonstrations through review with their purpose still clear.

Something to take with you

A visual direction, image, film or product demonstration ready for review.

If the story is hard to tell, revisit who the work serves and the choice you made.

Find this moment in the film 0:51

6 of 7 · Take it somewhere new

What needs to carry over when the setting changes?

Move an application into another language, bring a capability to another host or plan its release. Make the behavior to preserve and the checks for that move explicit.

Something to take with you

A move or release plan, with checks for what must carry over.

A move can reveal a new constraint. Return to the choice, build or improvement that needs another look.

7 of 7 · Pick it up again

What will the next person need to keep this going?

Keep the source record, explain the current state and leave a useful next step. Bring the right people in with the context and access they need.

Something to take with you

An inspectable record, clear ownership and a place for someone to begin.

The next person may be you next week. What they find can become the beginning of another question.

Find this moment in the film 0:58

A first version can send you back to the question. A new person can change the plan. Follow what you learn.

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