Project Intake Process & Backlog

Rather than spending time churning at the start of a project, I created a template that can be used by consultants, freelancers, or managers overseeing project intake for a design team. This template will:

1. Streamline the intake process:
   Ensure necessary information is gathered from the outset by using the “New Request” template. This template includes a series of questions to be filled out before submission. Gathering this information upfront allows you to reduce communication back-and-forth later.
2. Reach alignment before committing to a project:
   The “New Request” template will give you a clear idea of information discrepancies and allow you to pinpoint follow-up questions before committing to the project. It will also reduce miscommunication and confusion in the early phases of a project.
3. Manage requests and project intake:
   The “Request Backlog” database allows teams to evaluate and triage projects. Here a team can determine their workload, action requests, and review their project pipeline.
4. Increase team transparency:
   The “Request Backlog” provides team members insight into upcoming projects as well as detailed information about a project. Teams can understand what needs to be done, who it is for, and why, before they start solutioning.

This template has been inspired by Ian Armstrong and Jeff Gothelf who uses business and user assumptions as a place to start asking questions. I hope it helps!


Note: These templates are intended for use on Notion. Users will need to create a free account on Notion to make use of them.