scope-cutting

Cut scope by flipping the question. Instead of "How long will this take?" ask "How much time is this problem WORTH?" Set the appetite first, then shape the solution to fit. This is Shape Up's core insight: fixed time, variable scope.

Set the Appetite

Before touching scope, declare the time budget:

• Small batch: 1-2 weeks for 1-2 people
• Big batch: 6 weeks max for a small team

If a project takes more than 6 weeks (or 3 weeks for 1-3 people per Linear's method), it's too big. Break it down or walk away.

The appetite is NOT an estimate. An estimate says "this will take X." An appetite says "this is WORTH X." If the shaped solution doesn't fit the appetite, cut scope until it does — or kill the project.

Scope Hammering

For every item in the spec, ask these questions in order: