The 3x3x3 Framework: a simpler way to create plans and processes
I’m an arranger at heart. Literally. According to CliftonStrengths (aka Strengthsfinder), Arranger is one of my top 5 strengths. I love to create structure where none exists. I strive to rearrange all pieces to maximize efficiency and value. Probably no surprise that I’m also passionate about project management.
Combining my need for simpler planning and my love for creating structure, I developed the 3x3x3 Framework. If you need a project plan and don’t know where to start, this tool will guide you. All the necessary steps are likely swimming around in your head already. This framework coaxes them out and documents them in the right order to ensure project success.
Start with just three bullets:
[Beginning]
[Middle]
[End]
Replace each bullet with a single statement representing what must be accomplished at that point. End should be the easiest to define because it’s your overall project goal.
Beginning should hopefully be easy as well. Most projects start with discovery and defining requirements. Middle is typically the toughest because it’s everything between figuring out what to do and actually getting it done.
Let’s use a dashboard project as an example scenario:
[Beginning] Define dashboard requirements.
[Middle] Build the dashboard.
[End] Publish the dashboard.
Seems simple enough, but it’s also too high level to guide exactly what needs to be done. That’s where the 3x3x3 Framework truly shines. Break down your three bullets into three more bullets each, and again label as Beginning, Middle, End:
[Beginning] Define dashboard requirements.
[Beginning]
[Middle]
[End]
[Middle] Build the dashboard.
[Beginning]
[Middle]
[End]
[End] Publish the dashboard.
[Beginning]
[Middle]
[End]
Then pick one of your first-level bullets and replace the Beginning, Middle, End sub-bullets with more granular steps in the project. Once you complete one set of three sub-bullets, work through the other two.
Pro Tip: Test drive this framework first on something you already know by heart. Perhaps even something personal like planning a vacation or making a peanut butter sandwich. Once you get the hang of it, apply the framework to a brand new project or process lacking clearly defined steps.
Let’s continue fleshing out the example:
[Beginning] Define dashboard requirements.
[Beginning] Get stakeholder input.
[Middle] Review existing resources.
[End] Document dashboard requirements.
[Middle] Build the dashboard.
[Beginning] Design the dashboard.
[Middle] Draft the dashboard.
[End] Iterate the dashboard.
[End] Launch the dashboard.
[Beginning] Finalize the dashboard.
[Middle] Publish the dashboard.
[End] Train on the dashboard.
We’re starting to reach the level of detail needed to successfully execute the project. I recommend at least one more layer though. This is where we get the final ‘3’ in the framework name. 3 bullets split by 3 bullets split by 3 more bullets. Just like 3x3x3=27, you generate 27 detailed tasks in this third and final level.
Let’s finish the dashboard plan scenario. For simplicity’s sake, I remove the Beginning, Middle, End labels.
Define dashboard requirements.
Get stakeholder input.
Identify stakeholders.
Interview stakeholders.
Document stakeholder input.
Review related resources.
Review existing or related reports.
Review necessary data sources.
Review existing documented requirements.
Document dashboard requirements.
Define and list requirements
Prioritize requirements.
Get approval on requirements.
Build the dashboard.
Design the dashboard.
Mock up the dashboard.
Review and iterate the mock up.
Get approval on the mock up.
Draft the dashboard.
Connect to necessary data sources.
Create any needed calculations.
Build the first version of the dashboard.
Iterate the dashboard.
Review the dashboard with stakeholders.
Gather and prioritize feedback.
Update the dashboard.
Launch the dashboard.
Finalize the dashboard.
QA the dashboard data.
Optimize the dashboard for efficiency.
Get approval on the dashboard.
Launch the dashboard.
Publish the dashboard to the server.
Add access for all stakeholders.
Configure data refreshes.
Train on the dashboard.
Document training resources.
Conduct dashboard training session.
Share training resources and session recording.
In less than 30 minutes, I created a project plan for building a dashboard. Granted, I also have years of experience with such projects, but this framework helped me easily and quickly map that knowledge into clear phases, milestones, and tasks. I also align the 3x3x3 Framework to these same types of common project items:
Phase 1
Milestone 1
Task 1
Task 2
Task 3
Milestone 2
Milestone 3
Phase 2
Phase 3
This framework works equally well for process documentation. The task level may be more detailed for processes, but the framework still applies. To help you apply the framework easily, I created two 3x3x3 Framework templates. One for project planning, and one for process development. Click the buttons below to get your copy.
Pro Tip: Map your project plan into your preferred project management tool or even just a project tracking spreadsheet. Regardless of the tool, I recommend a format where you can easily check off completed tasks to track project progress. Or follow the framework, and build the plan directly in your preferred tool. If you use the process template, translate that into your preferred documentation system as well.
I hope you find these resources helpful in your data projects and processes. Let me know if you do or if you have any feedback on how to make them better. Here’s to simpler, easier, and more effective project plans and processes!
