Stage 1: choose a subject you can finish

Outcome: a project brief. Time: 30 to 45 minutes.

Explain and inspect

A knowledge domain is your bounded subject. “Football” is too broad for a first project. “One club's home matches in one season, for supporters checking opponents and results” is reviewable. Inspect the bundle gallery: each example names a purpose and a limit. The limitation is part of the design.

Do and check

Complete these statements in your project record:

• My subject is …
• It will help … to …
• It includes … and deliberately excludes …
• I can review the whole first version because …

Aim for 15 to 60 concepts. Ask whether one person can review every included item. If not, reduce the time period, place, audience or question type.

Retrieve and reflect

Without notes, explain your domain in one sentence and name one exclusion. Record the hardest scope decision and why you made it.

Next: write the questions.