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The ‘front-end’ is the fundamental thinking and logic that gives clarity to a project, event or team. A good front-end clarifies thinking by describing the context, history, needs, scope, boundaries, focus, target outcomes, key performance indicators and relevant values, principles and assumptions, in a simple, concise and logical way. A good front-end also establishes a shared language by clarifying and defining key terms.
The front-end is the most important part of any design, planning or communication process because it enables us to formulate a clear, and shared ‘picture’ which supports more effective and efficient action. As individuals, our thinking is based on our personal beliefs, perceptions and knowledge and we know that different people with different experiences and perspectives see things differently to us. Without a clear front-end we can think we have a common mental picture, but in all likelihood we will each have somewhat different mental pictures. If we are to work together effectively and avoid confusion and frustration, developing a shared front-end is essential. Once we have a front-end we have a solid basis of thinking and shared understanding from which to move into detailed design and implementation. We also have a concise description of purpose, targets and indicators to use in marketing our concept or project, and for measuring and managing performance. The layout for a worksheet for the Front-End Tool is provided on the next page. Creating the front-end |
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1. Describe and write down (on a whiteboard, butchers paper or on-screen) the context, history, need, scope and boundaries of the situation that have given rise to the project, event or team. Consider and document any values, principles and assumptions that are underpinning the thinking.
2. Draft a ‘Focus’ statement. The ‘Focus’ states concisely what must be achieved to meet the needs. Also think about and document any values and principles that underpin the Focus. (The SMARTT Focus Tool is useful here).
3. List the target outcomes that will need to be achieved in order for the Focus to be realised. In most situations there are three to six key target outcomes for a Focus.
4. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for the focus and each of the target outcomes. KPIs are the smallest number of measurements that gauge performance in terms of achieving the target outcomes and focus.
5. Check the logic of the front-end by asking: “If we achieve the target outcomes will we achieve our focus and meet the needs?” Make any adjustments to ensure a logical and shared mental picture.
6. At every stage check to see what key terms/language we are using, and make sure we have shared definitions for these.
Do each step ‘well enough’ to be able to check understanding, logic and clarity without going into details which are best determined after a shared mental picture has been established. It is OK to go backwards and forwards between steps.
2. Draft a ‘Focus’ statement. The ‘Focus’ states concisely what must be achieved to meet the needs. Also think about and document any values and principles that underpin the Focus. (The SMARTT Focus Tool is useful here).
3. List the target outcomes that will need to be achieved in order for the Focus to be realised. In most situations there are three to six key target outcomes for a Focus.
4. Develop key performance indicators (KPIs) for the focus and each of the target outcomes. KPIs are the smallest number of measurements that gauge performance in terms of achieving the target outcomes and focus.
5. Check the logic of the front-end by asking: “If we achieve the target outcomes will we achieve our focus and meet the needs?” Make any adjustments to ensure a logical and shared mental picture.
6. At every stage check to see what key terms/language we are using, and make sure we have shared definitions for these.
Do each step ‘well enough’ to be able to check understanding, logic and clarity without going into details which are best determined after a shared mental picture has been established. It is OK to go backwards and forwards between steps.