What is the Shape Up framework?
A product development framework created by Basecamp to deliver projects in fixed timeframes with clear boundaries.
Definition
Shape Up is a product development framework created by Basecamp. It focuses on defining, building, and shipping projects in 6-week cycles, followed by a 2-week "cool-down" period for reflection and exploration.
Focus
The framework prioritizes timeboxing (fixed deadlines), autonomy for teams, and shaping work upfront to clarify the problem and scope before committing to a project.
Key Elements
Work in Shape Up is divided into 6-week cycles, where teams commit to finishing a project within the cycle or it gets shelved.
Projects are pre-defined through a process called "shaping," which involves creating a "pitch" that outlines the problem, solution boundaries, and a time budget (appotite).
At the start of each cycle, stakeholders participate in a "betting table" to decide which projects to greenlight.
Teams are given autonomy to self-organize and solve problems within the defined constraints, without micromanagement.
Benefits
Shape Up reduces overwork and scope creep by enforcing hard deadlines.
It encourages clear communication by requiring upfront problem definition during the shaping phase.
The framework balances structure, through timeboxing, with flexibility, by giving teams autonomy. Additionally, it aligns stakeholders through transparent prioritization during the betting process.
Learn More
For more details, visit the official Shape Up guide: https://basecamp.com/shapeup
Want to learn more?
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