Stage 2: Design

Define what will be built, how it will be built and how it will be accepted.

Goal: Define what will be built, how, and how it will be accepted.

Architecture, scope for the first release and acceptance criteria approved by customer and Tech Lead.

A typical Design, step by step

1
Shape the solution
Turn the problem statement into options and choose the smallest solution that achieves the outcome.
2
Architecture and integration design
Define components, data model, integrations, hosting and non-functional requirements. Record key decisions as ADRs.
3
Backlog and acceptance criteria
Break the scope into stories that each deliver value on their own. Each has testable acceptance criteria.
4
Prototype and test with users
Where users are involved, make clickable prototypes and test them before building.
5
Test, release and AI-use plan
Agree how the work will be tested and released, and which AI tools may be used on which parts.
6
Approval
Customer and Tech Lead approve architecture, first-release scope and acceptance criteria.

Each stage ends with an exit gate agreed with the customer. What we learn in Operate feeds the next round of Discover.

Lifecycle

Deliver working software in small, reviewed steps, using AI to help and with people responsible for the result.

Roles

Solution Architect / Tech Lead, Software Engineers and AI / Data Engineer.

Working agreements

The entry and exit checks that keep stories small, clear and truly finished.