Design Project Scoping Guide • Select, frame, and communicate the intentions of a design project.

Design tactics can be helpful in almost any project, and different tools are useful at different stages. 

For example, iteration and making low-resolution prototypes can help advance nearly any work you do, and speaking to people for whom you are designing is never a bad idea. Make it a habit to use design techniques in your current projects when they are useful.

How does it work?

When you are ready to take on a complete exploratory project using design, this guide is for you. It discusses what challenges are best suited for human-centered design, and how to scope and frame design projects. 

This scoping guide is also useful when creating project briefs for students. It may help you create a challenge that balances direction and ambiguity for a more dynamic learning experience.

Credits

Written by Thomas Both, building on the work of many at the d.school. Particular thanks to Perry Klebahn, Nadia Roumani, and Gigi Gormley Kalaher for input on this guide.

Related Resources

Design Project Guide

© Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford