Optimize for two variables: * User Validation or Knowing You Are Building The Right Thing: data flows, ui design, modes, triggers, and so on * Tech Validation

Optimize for two variables: * User Validation or Knowing You Are Building The Right Thing: data flows, ui design, modes, triggers, and so on * Tech Validation or Knowing You Are Building The Thing Right: unit tests, performance tests and so on. Focus on selling the devs on this idea. The rest of the process formalities can be negotiated. EDIT2: Be careful to include all the dependencies required to fulfill the UV and TV, like scope management in UV. Every part of the process must be justified either as critical for UV or TV.