What's the best way to show stakeholders the value of a system?

1 Define the value proposition

The first step is to define the value proposition of your system, which is a clear and concise statement that describes how your system solves a problem, meets a need, or provides a benefit for your stakeholders. The value proposition should answer three questions: What is your system? Who is it for? And why is it better than the alternatives? To craft a compelling value proposition, you need to understand your stakeholders' goals, preferences, and pain points, as well as your system's capabilities, features, and advantages. You can use techniques such as stakeholder analysis, requirements engineering, and market research to gather this information.

2 Use visual models and diagrams

The second step is to use visual models and diagrams to illustrate the value and benefit of your system, in a way that is easy to understand and remember. Visual models and diagrams can help you show how your system works, how it relates to other systems, and how it delivers value and benefit to your stakeholders. Some of the common types of visual models and diagrams that you can use are: system context diagram, which shows the boundary and interfaces of your system with its environment; system architecture diagram, which shows the structure and behavior of your system and its components; system value stream map, which shows the flow of value and benefit from your system to your stakeholders; and system benefit-cost analysis, which shows the trade-offs and impacts of your system on different criteria.

4 Use metrics and evidence

The fourth step is to use metrics and evidence to support and quantify the value and benefit of your system, in a way that is credible and verifiable. Metrics and evidence can help you show how your system performs, how it meets or exceeds the expectations and requirements of your stakeholders, and how it compares to the alternatives. Metrics and evidence can also help you track and measure the value and benefit of your system over time, and identify areas for improvement or optimization. Some of the common types of metrics and evidence that you can use are: system performance indicators, which show the efficiency, effectiveness, and quality of your system and its components; system value indicators, which show the benefits, outcomes, and impacts of your system on your stakeholders and the environment; and system validation and verification, which show the compliance, correctness, and completeness of your system and its components.

5 Solicit feedback and input

The fifth step is to solicit feedback and input from your stakeholders, in a way that is respectful and collaborative. Feedback and input can help you validate and improve the value and benefit of your system, as well as build trust and rapport with your stakeholders. Feedback and input can also help you identify and address any gaps, issues, or concerns that your stakeholders may have about your system, and incorporate their suggestions and preferences into your system design and development. Some of the common ways to solicit feedback and input from your stakeholders are: surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, prototypes, demos, and reviews.

6 Adapt to different audiences and contexts

The sixth and final step is to adapt your communication style and content to different audiences and contexts, in a way that is appropriate and effective. Different audiences and contexts may have different levels of interest, knowledge, and influence on your system, and may require different types of information, formats, and channels to communicate the value and benefit of your system. To adapt your communication, you need to consider the following factors: the purpose and goal of your communication, the characteristics and expectations of your audience, the tone and language of your message, the medium and mode of your delivery, and the timing and frequency of your communication.