Purpose of an Epic:
An Epic is an internally facing “Lean Experimenting Business Case proposal“, often biased towards actions which ensure the Viability of our evolving Business model. We are attempting to balance the desires of the business with the Voice of our Customer Community.
Clearly show: for the [ideally, only] next Fiscal Qtr [but not to exceed next 2 F.Qtrs], how we’ll incrementally pursue a Strategic Objective for this Fiscal Year [and ideally slated for delivery within the next 1 to 2 Fiscal Qtrs]. Propose [economically and objectively] how this specific experiment will contribute towards those Key Results from related OKRs.
Meta Data Required and Guidance for the Conversations to capture this info
Structure the Description field using a common Pitch Format for the LPM-GT (Lean Portfolio Mgmt. Governance Team)
For <Segment of Customer Community / Specific Persona(s)>
Who <are trying to accomplish their own goal / aka Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD) in the context of supporting their own Customers>
The <Operational Experience [not the technical platforms by name]>
Is A <begin to hint at the interaction solution between us and them; may reference existing Capabilities [platforms]>
That <provides this clear Value, in a way matched to the Nuances sought by THIS segment of user experience [Persona(s)] >
Unlike <today’s experience for THIS specific customer scenario, whether fulfilled by us or a competitor’s solution [referenced clearly by their experience, offering alias/branding names here as available]>
Our <initial/MVP, or Next Minimum Valuable-to-Customer Release MVR>
Solution <will improve the user/customer Experience [don’t ref the solution details here] in the following way [keep this as the Macro statement and view of change; highlight specifics in the rest of the Lean Business Case below] >
Clarify the Hypothesized Impact on …
The Business Goal(s): insert Strategic OKR(s) -> ValStr OKR(s) impacted -> paired down to THIS Epic’s contribution towards that Strategic 90day / Qtrly goal
The Customers’ Goal(s): insert Strategic OKR(s) -> ValStr OKR(s) impacted -> paired down to THIS Epic’s contribution towards that Strategic 90day / Qtrly goal, in clear terms of impact on the customer [sometimes, what’s good for the business isn’t what the customer seeks, or vice versa]
