Shape Up

The Shape Up method

Shape Up is a product development method built around shaping work before committing a team. It uses fixed time, flexible scope, and clear responsibility.

Shape before building

Shaping defines the problem, constraints, rough solution, and risks before a team begins. It aims to make a project buildable without over-specifying it.

Bet on shaped work

A betting table chooses which shaped pitches deserve a cycle. The decision is about appetite and opportunity, not a promise to finish every detail.

Learn the core practices

The method includes shaping, appetite, six-week cycles, cool-down, scopes, circuit breakers, breadboarding, and fat-marker sketches.

  • Shaping and appetite
  • Betting tables and cycles
  • Scopes and hill charts
  • Circuit breakers and scope hammering