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Model / Deliver a Project / Prove It Works / Think Big, Start Small
STEP 09 of 12

Think Big, Start Small.

Ambition is good, but don’t try to do it all at once. Break your solution into small, simpler parts. Something you can complete in sections, like Lego.

After this step, you should be clearer on

  • —What your basic building block is
  • —How to break the solution into smaller parts
  • —Where to start small before going big

Think slow, act fast. Shorten the window for things to surprise you and cause disaster during the expensive and highly risky job of going big and making it happen.

If a project can be delivered fast in a replicable, modular manner, it is likely to do well. If it cannot, it is likely to be troubled or fail. Bent Flyvbjerg. One block at a time.

Questions to reflect on

You do not need to complete everything. Use what helps.

What is our Lego?

Develop the big picture design, break it down into smaller sections or modules. Start by doing one section at a time, then two at a time, then four, and so on. Working in this way means the later sections take less effort.

  • What is the smallest useful unit we can complete?
  • Which part could we test first?
  • How could we roll this out one section at a time?

What happens if we try to do it all at once?

Projects overrun on time by about 20% on average. Getting it right on the small scale saves embarrassment at the finish line. Avoid the scenario where cost estimates keep going up and up. Avoid a go live with issue after issue.

  • Where could scale create surprises or cost growth?
  • What would a smaller first phase look like?
  • Which part could we deliver fast and replicate?

OptionalUse a Readiness Check to pause and reflect before moving on.

Readiness Check

Related Plays

Optional frameworks if you want more structure.

Is Your Project Modular

Test whether the work can be broken into smaller, lower-risk parts.

Explore Play

Modular Design Planning

Define the building blocks, choose a pilot module, and plan how to scale up.

Explore Play

Ready to move on?

Once you know the building block and how to roll out in smaller parts, you can test the first version in the real world and learn from it.

Next: Always Test The Big Assumptions Return to Prove It Works

Confluity Project Model sitemap

Model overview

What are Jobs?

The model is organised into three Jobs:

Job 1: Set the Direction – shape the purpose into options and a preferred way forward.

Job 2: Prove It Works – test assumptions and reduce risk before going big.

Job 3: Make It Happen – deliver at scale and make sure people actually use what you build.

What are Simple Rules?

The model contains simple rules. These are short principles drawn from experience that help you make better decisions. Jobs, tasks, and plays help you put those rules into practice.

What is a Play?

A Play is a method or tool that helps you apply a rule or complete a task. Use the recommended Plays first for simpler projects before exploring others.

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