I am currently working on a web project as an in house Project lead, and I am having an issue with the strategic vision of our current project. The issue is that the vision, and strategic goal, is a moving target. Our CEO publicly announced we are building something, because it is an industry disrupter, but nobody can nail down how to market it without affecting other business channels.
Long story short we have built a working prototype, using competitors as guidance, and we are now being ask to build more. I can continue to add some missing components to the prototype as the core offering but I do not have a final vision or strategy. How can I build personas and goals, learn from the build and iterate, if my only target use is a generic idea of an end user?
Since it is a corporate environment I am under a deadline. I know strategy will come in a month or two but I am expected to launch in 3 or 4 months. My department head understands the problem but he is getting little out of our Director and he is asking me ‘just build something’ and people will come to the table once they see something.
Can anyone offer guidance on how to proceed, and build with some measurable strategy when a target and vision are missing? I am getting tired of being the blocker in the process.
Thanks
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Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
Then don't be a blocker, Frank. Targets and visions are great tools but are not mandatory for you to proceed.
We all have to decide based on the information on hand, not necessarily all of it. Unless you are asked to mass-produce your product, I'd say go ahead and do more. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The same you stated was Google email for example. No problem. Continue working and delivering into increments, take feeback and create a new version looping on it. Obviously everything has sense if you have defined the term "client". Remember: while lot of people use the term business without consistence a business is defined by the client, the need to be addressed and the technology (technology in general sense) to address the need. Saving Changes...
You'll want to build in a validated learning checkpoint as soon as possible to ensure you aren't building a white elephant. If the hypothesis is that your "made up" persona actually reflects a viable market need, how can you validate that?
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Deepesh RammoorthyICT Project Manager ( PMP®AgilePM®Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®))| Australian Red Cross Blood ServiceTarneit, Vic, Australia
PMBOK would say "ask the question about the Business need and it's viability and question the Business Case and do not proceed until it is clear"
The practical way to look at it is , look at the competitor's product and try to better yours . The measurable strategy could be , "How to get your competitor out of the market with your offering or weaken their stronghold". Saving Changes...
