A,F and C in this Value/Complexity map should be prioritised.
Outcome-Driven Feature Prioritization for Agile Teams
In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses often face a dilemma: which features should they build next? Most product owners and developers naturally focus on discussing what features are necessary, but this approach can lead to feature bloat, extended timelines, and resources being spread too thin.
17.10.2024
Alfa Sommersol
The Problem: Too Many Features, Not Enough Focus
When teams get into feature-driven discussions, the backlog quickly becomes overloaded, and prioritizing becomes difficult. This is especially true when stakeholders demand more functionality and rush to add "just one more" feature. The result? Projects drift out of scope, timelines extend, and teams lose sight of what truly matters—delivering value to the customer.
The Solution: Outcome-Driven Prioritization
A more effective way to prioritize work is by focusing on the desired business outcomes rather than just the features themselves. Here's how it works:
- Shift the conversation: Instead of asking, "What features do we need?", start by asking, "What outcomes do we want to achieve?"
- Align on outcomes: Define the business goals first and then work backward to identify which features support those outcomes.
- Simplify priorities: Using this approach helps streamline decision-making and reduces feature overload by focusing on delivering high-value, low-complexity features that align with the desired outcome.
Example of Outcome-Driven Prioritization in Action
When working with a client, I guide their product and development teams through this process. We assess the complexity of each feature (rated by the dev team) and weigh its importance (ranked by the product owner). By calculating high-value, low-complexity features, we deliver value more quickly and avoid unnecessary scope creep.
This method transforms the way teams work and accelerates project delivery while keeping everyone focused on what matters most—achieving the desired outcomes.
đź’ˇ Too often, teams get caught up in a debate about what features to build next. But is it the right conversation?
Instead of asking what features your dev team should build, ask yourself what outcomes your business is trying to achieve.
Here’s how I guide my clients to rethink their approach:
- Shift the focus from features to outcomes.
- Ask: Which features support the desired outcome?
- Prioritize features that provide high-value, low-complexity results.
This simple shift helps teams move faster and avoid getting stuck in the feature backlog.
By following an outcome-driven prioritization strategy, your teams will focus on delivering features that bring the most value to your business while reducing wasted time and effort on unnecessary functionality.
Ready to streamline your product development and align your team around business outcomes? Get in touch, and let’s explore how I can help your company unlock its growth potential with outcome-driven strategies.