From Ideas to Priorities: The MoSCoW Method

The client talks about the features they would like to see, and as developers, we immediately start thinking along. We love our craft, and during these conversations we quickly come up with all kinds of ideas for additional features. Before you know it, together we've come up with a whole list of great plans!

But however enjoyable and valuable that enthusiasm is, we think it's important to stay critical at such a moment about what is truly needed. Which features are essential for the first version, and which are better saved for a later phase? The MoSCoW method is still a great and practical way for us to bring structure to this.

The MoSCoW method helps us set priorities together with the client. Features are divided into four categories: Must-have, Should-have, Could-have and Won't-have (this time). The capital letters together form the name MoSCoW. The two lowercase "o"s were added to make the name easier to pronounce.

What we like about this method is that we don't just discuss what we want to build, but also consciously consider what is needed for the first release and what can come later. This keeps the project scope clear and prevents us from adding more and more features during development.

M – Must-have: this has to be included

These are, for us, the features that are absolutely necessary for the first version. Without them, the application doesn't meet the most important requirements, and we can't really speak of a successful first release.

We notice that it can be tempting to label many wishes as Must-haves. After all, the client often has good reasons to consider certain features important, and as developers we also regularly see possibilities that we would like to realize right away. That is exactly why we think it's important to critically determine together what is truly indispensable.

S – Should-have: this should be included

These are features that add a lot of value, but the first version can still be usable without them. If the schedule comes under pressure, for example, we can choose to develop these features at a later time.

We consider this an important category because it lets us distinguish between what we would like to have and what we need right away. This way we can make choices together without immediately jeopardizing the quality or usability of the first version.

C – Could-have: this would be nice

These are features that would be a nice addition, but are not a priority for the first release. If we have completed the most important parts and there is still enough time and room left, we can look at whether to include these wishes after all.

It is especially in this category that we notice how quickly our enthusiasm as developers can lead us to see extra possibilities. That's great, of course, but not everything has to be built right away. By consciously classifying these ideas as Could-haves, we don't have to forget them, while still keeping the focus on what matters most at that moment.

W – Won't-have (this time): we're not doing this now

These are features that we consciously keep outside the scope of the first release. That doesn't mean they have no value or that we will never develop them. We simply agree not to include them for now. In a later phase, we can always reassess whether they are still relevant.

We consider this perhaps one of the most important parts of the method. During conversations with clients, new ideas and additional wishes regularly come up. With the best of intentions, the scope can keep growing as a result. By also recording what we are not going to do now, we create clarity and prevent the first version from becoming unnecessarily complex.

Why we keep using the MoSCoW method

As far as we're concerned, the strength of the MoSCoW method lies mainly in the conversation you have about it together with the client. It's not just about sorting features into four categories, but above all about making conscious choices and managing expectations.

As developers, we want to think along, spot opportunities and build great solutions. At the same time, we think it's important to make sure we don't try to realize everything at once. By setting priorities together, we can first lay a solid foundation and build on it from there.

In short, the MoSCoW method is still, to this day, a handy and practical way for us to sit down with clients and discuss the development of new software. Especially when enthusiasm is high and ideas are flying in all directions, this method helps us keep an overview, ask the right questions and make realistic choices together. This way we keep room for great ideas, without losing sight of what is truly needed for the first version.

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