Pre-Project: Concept and Design, the Product Vision
The initial concept and design of the product is work undertaken by stakeholders. The ideal stakeholders for this role use design thinking and Lean Startup techniques to define what the product should be, culminating in a Project Vision and the description of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), a stripped-down and functional product without bells and whistles. The leaner the product, the quicker the Scrum will be able to deliver to specification.
Pre-Project: selecting the Scrum Team
Once the MVP design has been finalised, a project to develop it can be started. The stakeholders kick this off with the selection of the Product Owner. This individual has a pivotal role throughout the project: he or she is
- the proxy stakeholder within the project (the Voice of the Customer, or VOC)
- the steward of the product requirements and specifications
- responsible for defining who the stakeholders are for project success
- the team member who is responsible for external (i.e. stakeholder) communications
- the person who can halt or cancel a project, where necessary.
Recommended Further Reading
The following materials may assist you in order to get the most out of this course: