What is the Inception Deck?

The Inception Deck is a strategic expectation management tool that helps users align the visions of all project stakeholders. Differing expectations in project management pose a significant challenge and can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. The Inception Deck aims to uncover these expectations and initiate a thorough discussion of the project, ensuring that the strategic starting point is clear and accepted by all involved before project implementation even begins. In this way, the Inception Deck bridges the gap between strategic decisions regarding the product vision and the start of the project team's operational work. The Inception Deck can be used by any organization. Traditionally, however, it is a tool of Agile Inception within Scrum. In this context, it falls under the responsibility of the Product Owner, who is responsible for its implementation and application.

The ten phases of the Inception deck

The Inception Deck guides stakeholders and the project team through the discussion process using ten phases. These phases can be divided into the reasons for implementation and more concrete plans. They include "Purpose and Goals of the Project," "Elevator Pitch," "Product Profile," "NOT List," "Stakeholder Analysis," "Proposed Solutions," "Project Scope," "Trade-Offs," and "Resource Planning." Each of these phases has a task for the team and stakeholders, designed to foster a deeper understanding of the project and its progress for all involved. In this way, areas of tension are gradually resolved until all details are clarified by the end of the Inception Deck.

How can the Inception Deck be used even more efficiently?

The Inception Deck is excellently complemented by other methods and tools. While the phases are coherent in themselves and can exist without additions, integrating further methods can make it easier for users to find the perfect content for each phase and to delve deeper into specific project aspects. A good example is the Impact Map, which is completed by stakeholders to visualize the project's purpose and goals and to understand the interrelationships. The Team Canvas also helps clarify the required personnel and responsibilities.

Everything you need to use the Inception Deck in one set

Our new Inception Deck PowerPoint template provides everything you need to implement the methodology in your organization. Utilize the comprehensive information on the necessity and application of the Inception Deck to establish the methodology within your company and familiarize all stakeholders. The professionally designed Inception Deck template can be customized with project information and supplemented with additional tools in collaboration with your team and stakeholders.

With the Inception Deck for PowerPoint…

• You will receive information on the necessity and application of the Inception Deck.
• Apply the method in your company using the editable template.
• Supplement your Inception deck with additional methods and tools.

This PowerPoint template contains

• Expectations in project management
• Expectations & Misunderstandings
• Tension between those involved
• Different expectations for the project
• Expectation management and Inception Deck
• What is the Inception Deck?
• definition
• Goals of the Inception Deck
• Effect of the Inception Deck
• Why is an Inception deck being used?
• Who uses an Inception Deck?
• What are the special features of the application?
• Agile Inception in Scrum
• What an Inception deck is not
• 10 Phases of the Inception Deck
• Inception Deck: 10 Phases
• The “Why?” and “How?”
• Phase 1: Purpose and Objectives
• Phase 2: Elevator Pitch
• Phase 3: Product Profile
• Phase 4: NOT List
• Phase 5: Stakeholder Analysis
• Phase 6: Proposed solutions
• Phase 7: Risks and Challenges
• Phase 8: Project Scope
• Phase 9: Trade-Offs
• Phase 10: Resource Planning
• Complementary methods
• Impact Map
• Customer & Buyer Persona
• MoSCoW prioritization
• Graphic Game Plan
• SWOT analysis
• RACI matrix
• Team Canvas
• Stakeholder Mapping
• Inception Deck Template
• Phase 1: Purpose and Objectives
• Phase 2: Elevator Pitch
• Phase 3: Product Profile
• Phase 4: NOT List
• Phase 5: Stakeholder Analysis
• Phase 6: Proposed solutions
• Phase 7: Risks and Challenges
• Phase 8: Project Scope
• Phase 9: Trade-Offs
• Phase 10: Resource Planning