# 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](../../#bundles):
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](project-record-template.md):

- 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](02-question.md).