Working Backwards is an end-to-end project development process that helps you raise the bar on engineering projects.
Working backwards starts from the client's point of view and works backward, enabling you to launch products and services and accomplish organizational goals.
This guide comprehensively explains the Working Backwards process from a project's conception to its eventual demise.
The Working Backwards process has three phases:
Provide value to clients by driving prospective projects through these phases to research, prepare, design, build, test, launch, optimize, maintain, and eventually, demise products and services.
Some projects may require the entire Working Backwards process, but some steps may not apply to your product or service. This process involves identifying which parts are relevant to your project and shepherding your project through those steps.
As a developer, you're responsible for shepherding your projects from conception to launch and providing ongoing support and maintenance. Use the Working Backwards process to develop a roadmap for each project and clearly define the client, their problem, the opportunity, and how to measure the outcome.
The Working Backwards process requires three functional leads for each project, each of whom takes on a unique role:
Begin by responding to your client's problem by answering the question what is the right thing to build, and what is the right way to build it?