Choosing What to Build, Scale, or Sunset

Framework Purpose

Product and engineering leaders are constantly faced with a barrage of ideas, experiments, and potential technology upgrades. The challenge isn't just generating these possibilities but making smart choices about where to focus our limited resources – our time, our talent, and our budget. This Capability Prioritization Grid provides a straightforward way to cut through the noise and identify what truly deserves our attention.

It forces us to look beyond the shiny object syndrome and evaluate each potential initiative based on two key factors: the bang for our buck (the value it will deliver) and the sweat equity required (the effort to build and maintain it). By plotting our options on this simple grid, we can make more informed decisions that align with our overall strategy and deliver real impact.

The Four Key Zones

Imagine a simple graph. The vertical axis represents the Value/Impact (how much good will this do?), and the horizontal axis represents the Effort (how much pain will it be?). This creates four distinct zones:

• High Value, Low Effort (Quick Wins): These are the no-brainers. They offer significant benefits without requiring a massive investment. Think of them as the low-hanging fruit that can give your team early momentum and demonstrate tangible progress.
• High Value, High Effort (Strategic Bets): These are the big, transformative initiatives. They have the potential to be game-changers but demand significant resources, careful planning, and a longer-term commitment. These are your strategic investments in the future.
• Low Value, High Effort (Reassess or Collaborate): These are the projects that make you scratch your head. They require a lot of work but don't seem to offer a worthwhile return. It's time to seriously question if these are the right path. Could we partner with someone else? Is there an easier way? Should we put this on the back burner?
• Low Value, Low Effort (Deprioritize or Sunset): These might seem easy to do, but if they don't contribute meaningfully to your goals, they're just a distraction. It's often better to cut them loose to free up bandwidth for more impactful work.

Navigating Each Zone: Real-World Scenarios

Quick Wins (High Value, Low Effort): Get These Done!

These are the opportunities to build momentum and show immediate impact without breaking a sweat.