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What the define phase is about
Define is about getting clear before delivering solutions. You may be starting with a proposed solution. This phase helps you step back and agree on the real problem, goals, and constraints.
The main question you're answering is "are we solving the right problem, with the right people, under the right constraints?"
What you're trying to avoid
Starting work without alignment, which often leads to solving the wrong problem or redoing work later. In this phase, do not:
- Do user research
- Design solutions
- Brainstorm features
- Create a user interface
- Build anything
What to expect
- Clarify the real problem (not the proposed solution)
- Identify constraints (policy, tech, budget, timeline)
- Surface assumptions
- Name goals and outcomes
- Clarify ownership and decision rights
- Agree on what success looks like
Define plays
- Scope the engagement
Decide if the project is worth doing and what the work should include. - Align on the work
Agree on what success looks like before starting the work.