Agile Inception Deck
A set of ten structured questions that help a team build shared understanding before a project begins — developed by Jonathan Rasmusson. Used to align stakeholders, set realistic expectations, and surface the most important risks before a line of code is written or a workshop is designed. More lightweight than a formal project charter, more thorough than a kickoff meeting.
How to run it
- 1
Block a half-day with the full team and key stakeholders.
- 2
Work through the ten inception questions together:
- 3
1. Why are we here? (the elevator pitch)
- 4
2. Create an elevator pitch (who / for / who / unlike / our product / does)
- 5
3. Design a product box: what would make someone pick this off a shelf?
- 6
4. Create a NOT list: what's explicitly out of scope?
- 7
5. Meet your neighbours: who are all the people and systems we interact with?
- 8
6. Show the solution: draw a high-level architecture or workflow
- 9
7. Ask what keeps us up at night: top 3 risks, honestly
- 10
8. Size it up: rough estimate of timeline and cost
- 11
9. Be clear on what's going to give: quality, scope, time, or budget?
- 12
10. Show what it's going to take: the team composition needed
- 13
Capture outputs on one-page per question. Review together at the end.
Tips
The NOT list (question 4) is the most underrated — it prevents scope creep before it starts.
Question 7 (what keeps us up at night) requires psychological safety. Go last if needed.
Don't rush. The discomfort of answering these hard questions before the project starts is the point.
Revisit the inception deck at every major milestone — not just at the start.
Variations
Lean Inception: a 5-day workshop version by Paulo Caroli for complex products. Mini Inception: just questions 1, 4, and 7 for smaller projects.
Where it fits
Related methods
Frequently asked questions
When should I use Agile Inception Deck?â–¾
Use Agile Inception Deck when you want to: Project kick-off; Stakeholder alignment; New product development; Agency project start.
How long does Agile Inception Deck take?â–¾
Agile Inception Deck typically takes 240–480 minutes.
How many participants does Agile Inception Deck work for?â–¾
Agile Inception Deck works best for groups of 4–12 participants.
What materials do I need for Agile Inception Deck?â–¾
To run Agile Inception Deck you will need: Whiteboard or large wall, Sticky notes, Markers, Half-day or full-day block.
How difficult is Agile Inception Deck to facilitate?â–¾
FacilitationMethods.faqA5Hard
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