How do you define the scope and boundaries of your project and product in a clear and measurable way?

1 Vision statement

A vision statement is a concise and compelling description of the desired outcome of your project and product. It summarizes the problem you are solving, the solution you are offering, and the benefits you are providing. A vision statement helps you set the direction and scope of your project and product, and communicate it to your stakeholders and team members. To write a vision statement, you can use the following template:

For (target customer) who (statement of need or opportunity), the (product name) is a (product category) that (key benefit, compelling reason to buy). Unlike (primary competitive alternative), our product (statement of primary differentiation).

2 Scope model

A scope model is a visual representation of the scope and boundaries of your project and product. It details what is in scope, out of scope, and undecided for your project and product, while also illustrating the relationships and dependencies between the scope elements. This model can help you identify and manage the scope risks, assumptions, and constraints of your project and product, as well as communicate them to stakeholders and team members. To create a scope model, you should first identify the scope elements such as features, functions, processes, data, interfaces, etc. Then categorize them as in scope, out of scope, or undecided. After that, draw a diagram that shows the scope elements and their relationships and dependencies. Lastly, label the scope elements with their categories and any relevant information like risks, assumptions or constraints.

3 Scope statement

A scope statement is a detailed and formal document that defines and documents the scope and boundaries of your project and product. It outlines the project and product objectives, deliverables, requirements, exclusions, assumptions, constraints, and acceptance criteria. This document helps establish and control the scope baseline of your project and product, while also communicating it to stakeholders and team members. To write a scope statement, you can include a project and product overview that summarises the background, purpose, vision, goals, and benefits. Additionally, list the specific outputs or outcomes that the project and product will produce as well as the conditions or capabilities it must meet or satisfy. Exclude any items or activities that are not part of the project and product scope. Furthermore, list any factors or conditions assumed to be true or present for success as well as limitations or restrictions such as time, budget, quality, resources etc. Lastly, include criteria or standards that the project and product deliverables must meet or exceed to be accepted by stakeholders.

4 Scope verification

Scope verification is the process of obtaining formal approval of the scope and boundaries of your project and product from your stakeholders. The purpose of this is to ensure that the scope is clear, complete, accurate, and agreed upon by all parties involved. This helps prevent scope changes, disputes, or misunderstandings later in the project and product lifecycle and ensures that you deliver what the stakeholders expect and need. To perform scope verification, you can review the scope documents with stakeholders, solicit feedback, resolve any conflicts that arise from the feedback, obtain formal sign-off or approval from the stakeholders on the scope documents, and document and communicate the approved scope documents to your stakeholders and team members.