OUTSIDE THE BOX FORUM: Small is Better

Complex and uncertain projects are more likely to succeed when scope is minimal. There are lots of reasons for this observation.

Too Many Unknown Unknowns Lack of clarity in the goal and or solution results in a discovery process that cannot be predicted. If the project is dominated by unknowns, there are approaches (i.e., prototyping) that can identify feasible directions to pursue in the search for acceptable solution components. The most important approach is not to guess and proceed on unsubstantiated guesses.

Start From the Knowns In the complex project space we do not guess. We start with what is known for certain about the goal and the solution and build on that for further definition of goal and solution. That speaks of small steps and risk containment.

Probing for Details The ECPM Framework introduces Probative Swim Lanes as an aid for goal and solution discovery. These a short, low cost probes into possible solution components. If any prove to be feasible directions, further investments can be made until the direction proves fruitful or should be abandoned.