Tool Instance Design Framework™
Tool Instance Design Framework™. Set up tools that fit your team.
7 steps to set up a tool so it fits how your team really works.
- 7steps
- 2links in the Registry map
- 1systems it works with
The problem it fixes
A new tool can add work.
Set up without a method, a tool collects extra fields, rival goal systems and statuses nobody uses. Your team then works around the tool.
How it works
7 steps to a tool that fits.
Reconcile what already exists
Start by reading every existing document. Surface contradictions and drift from how the team works today.
Set boards and statuses
1 status workflow per function, reused where possible, each status mapped to 1 shared rollup state.
Carry your goals across
Put your existing goals or OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) into the tool. Never add a competing goal system.
Build dashboards as views
Dashboards are a view layer only, ideally needing 0 new fields.
Map every custom field
Sort each candidate field as native, covered, new or deferred. Keep the new list short.
Settle projects and portfolios
Resolve everything deferred so far, and state any contradictions between steps openly.
Merge into your tracker
Turn the design into 1 sequenced task list, with owners, inside the tracker your team already uses.
The diagram
Where we use it
Where we use it
The outcome
A tool your team actually uses.
The tool matches how your team already works, with only the fields it needs, so it most likely gets used instead of worked around.
Results are most likely to follow if the process is followed properly, with good intention and best effort.
Start with a free call.
A free 30-minute call, with quick fixes you can start using straight away.