How to Plan and Estimate a New Feature
A Reusable Checklist for Software Engineers
If you find yourself in a position where you need to plan and estimate a feature or application, it’s best to lean on a reusable template like this one. This checklist will help you ensure that you’re considering all the necessary aspects of feature planning, from success metrics to risk mitigation strategies.
1. Do I have enough information to plan this feature yet?
Stop. Now read that question again. The simple act of asking yourself this question is often overlooked by most engineers when planning or estimating a new feature. It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement, or soul-crushing pressure, depending on which company you work for. But, it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself if you have enough information to plan the feature. If you don’t, then it’s time to go back to the drawing board and gather more information. This could be from stakeholders, product owners, business analysts, or end-users. It’s important to gather as much information as possible to ensure that you’re building the right thing.
