Selecting the Capstone Product

Learning Goal

Selecting a live product to apply the Playbook for real is a crucial step in the design process. The goal is to define a scope, set owners and timeline, and ensure that the criteria and priorities are aligned with the business and stakeholder needs.

Who

Designers, product owners, and stakeholders are essential to this process.

What

The selection criteria, scope, owners, and timeline for a live product are critical components.

Where

In the real-world setting, where the Playbook is applied, designers must consider the context and environment.

When

This step typically occurs when the design process is underway, and the team needs to prioritize and focus.

Why it matters

Without a real product, the Playbook remains a theoretical exercise. Prioritizing criteria and securing stakeholder buy-in are essential for success.

How

1. Selection Criteria: Identify the key screens, platforms, and stakeholders involved.
2. Scope Definition: Clearly define the screens, platforms, and stakeholders.
3. Owners and Timeline: Assign owners and set realistic timelines.
4. Stakeholder Buy-In: Secure stakeholder approval to ensure everyone is aligned.

Guided Exercise

1. List 3 candidate products and score them based on the criteria above.
2. Pick one, define scope (screen list), and set timeline and owners.
3. Get stakeholder sign-off to validate the scope and timeline.

Independent Exercise

Record the decision in the Playbook intro and share with the team.

Self-Check

1. Product + scope chosen.
2. Owners and timeline set.
3. Stakeholder buy-in secured.

Bibliography (sources used)

• Playbook 2026 – Day 26

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For more information on selecting a capstone product, check out our previous lessons on the design process.