Defining Scope
A common problem in the health equity space is blowing scope. When we think too “big picture” we often get overwhelmed and end up accomplishing nothing. As change makers, it’s our duty to make sure to define the scope as early as possible so we can realistically and effectively reach our desired impact. These two canvases are excellent tools to assist in that process.
The Design Criteria Canvas
Once an idea forms, we are often ready to move to action. This drive often eclipses the important step of defining the scope of your idea. Enter the Design Criteria Canvas- a tool for understanding what a project (…or idea or event or solution or cohort) must do, should do, could do, and won’t do. Here are the steps to use it.
- Begin by asking the team members to reflect on their own reasons for being on the project and then share your vision and ideas you have about it.
- Start with the MUST section. Ask about what the must-haves or non-negotiables are for this scope of work. Listen and encourage everyone to add their ideas.
- Next, move on to the WON’T section. What are the won’t haves for this scope of work? What is not on the table? What are the non-negotiables?
- Then, work through the SHOULD section. What are the should-haves for this scope of work? What are important features that should be in the scope of work? If you’re having trouble, go through the MUST section and ask your team if it’s too ambitious for all those ideas to be MUST haves.
- Lastly, it’s time for the COULD section. What are the could-haves for this scope of work? Are there features that are optional and could add additional value? Be creative and have fun with this section.
- Once the canvas is completed, look over it and ask your team if they missed anything. Add anything that’s missing.
- Go over the entire Design Criteria Canvas and ask the team if all of the ideas are necessary. Remember, you are trying to define scope with success in mind. Be strict in this– nice to haves are nice to haves and nothing more!
- Once you have pared it down, make each of the Design Criteria S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). If necessary, replace the post-its with better defined ones. Keep a record of your SMART Design Criteria and reference as needed throughout the scope of work!
The (Re) Focus Canvas
Sometimes we set out on a scope of work and the objective gets muddied. Teams, policies, or processes change, complicating what we set out to do. Suddenly, our scope of work is blown and change and/or progress is difficult. This can be discouraging and prevent us from moving forward. The (Re) Focus canvas is an excellent tool to assist in getting that focus back. Here are the 5 steps to help you use the tool.
- Begin with the ‘WHY’ section – What is the objective you are trying to focus on? This can be anything from “regaining regular communication on teams” to “develop a new process”. Write it down and make sure everyone on the team understands.
- Next, the ‘STOP’ section – Everyone probably has an idea of what they want to stop happening. What do you need to stop doing? What does your team need to stop doing?
- Then, the ‘LESS’ section – Towards the end of the previous section, listen for ‘STOP’ suggestions that might or could be identified as ‘LESS’ instead.
- The ‘MORE’ section should follow- Take your time and encourage your team to as well. What should there be more of? This section is helpful as it helps your team identify and have gratitude for the positive activities or things that already are in existent.
- Lastly, the ‘START’ section. Often, this section is the hardest. We save it for the end because teams are more likely to have identified something to ‘START’ at some point while discussing or ideating in the previous sections. If that hasn’t happened, encourage the team to have ‘blue sky’ thinking to inspire ideas.
- Go over the canvas and identify the top 3 ideas in each section . Remember, you are trying to define scope with success in mind. Be strict in this process.
- Once completed, make each of the top 3 ideas S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound). If necessary, replace the post-its with better defined ones. Keep a record of your SMART Start Stop More Less and reference as needed throughout the scope of work!