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MoSCoW

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  • PHASE

Action

  • Core purpose / Focus

Define intentions, Design, Design-sprint, Goal setting, Group-prioritization, Issue analysis

  • Skills / Content

Big picture, Creativity / create, Evaluation

  • Time Frame

longer than 120 min

  • Group Size

6-15 persons, 16 – 30 persons, More than 30 persons

  • Facilitation Level

Skilled

  • Comfort zone

Safe

Introduction

MoSCoW is a method that allows the team to prioritize the different features that they will work on. Features are then categorized into “Must have”, “Should have”, “Could have”, or “Would like but will not get”. To be used at the beginning of a timeslot (for example during Sprint planning) and when planning is needed. This tool allows to make a clear hierarchy of what needs to be implemented, and what is not feasible to include within the current constraints.

Necessary tools (what you need)

  • Pick a proper videoconferencing tool, e.g. an online whiteboard

Steps

  1. List all the features that you want to develop within a specific Time frame (for example a Sprint), working environment improvement, or for personal/team development.
  2. Make a diagram that has the four different categories “Must have”, “Should have”, “Could have”, or “Would like but won’t get”. Classify the features within the four categories.
    • “Must have” are features that are critical and need to be implemented to have a successful product.
    • “Should have” are features that are important but are not critical, they can be done in a different way.
    • “Could have” are features that would be nice to have, but won’t make a significant change in the user experience.
    • “Would like but won’t get” are features that are too difficult to implement.
  3. Once the different features have been rated, plan accordingly by defining tasks. Be realistic about what is actually needed and what is feasible to do.
  4. Build a work/development plan that can be distributed among the design team. Follow and track the plan, make sure to communicate it clearly to the team.

Tips & Tricks

  • This activity can be run with an online whiteboard tool though can also be run with the facilitator screen sharing a Trello board, Google Doc or other task management tool.
  • Possible alternative: send an e-mail with instructions and a grid, ask participants to get ready with their inputs and then in the live session continue with classification of the features within the four categories and planning.
  • When facilitating group discussion, we’d recommend that participants use non-verbal means to indicate they’d like to speak. You can use tools like Zoom’s nonverbal feedback tools, a reaction emoji, or just have people put their hands up. The facilitator can then invite that person to talk.

The exercise is successfully completed when? Conclusion?

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The views and opinions expressed in this publication are the sole responsibility of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Commission