Get our free project brief template, and an example, to instantly create a brief for you project.
What is a project description?
A project brief should outline your project approach and the processes your team will use in managing the project to its scope. A project brief is the first step in any project.
A good brief should be handled with care and consideration. It should include details about the project objectives, scope, major deliverables and milestones. It also includes timing, activities, processes, and any resources required to deliver your product. You can create a great plan that works if you take the time to develop a process around how you build your project brief.
4 steps to create a project brief
Understanding the brief purpose of the project.
Prepare the contents of the project brief.
To save time writing and formatting, you can use our template to create a project brief.
Create a solid plan for your project.
Step 1: Get to know the purpose of the project
You’ve probably been on a road trip and know that you can’t plan your route until you know your destination. The same applies to a project: Without knowing what the project is, you can’t start the project or even create a plan for execution. This is where a project brief is useful.
A project plan describes how a project will be done. However, a brief describes who, what and when it will happen. This sets clear expectations for stakeholders. It is the “true north” that will keep your project on track. The project brief can be used to guide decisions and prevent scope creep once work has begun.
The easiest way to create a project plan
In just 10 minutes, you can create a beautiful project plan. You can switch between gantt and calendar views with a single click.
Get your free plan
With a clear plan that is easy to share, track, and create, you can ensure that every project finishes on schedule and within budget. In just 10 minutes, you can create a beautiful project plan!
Step 2: Create your free plan. Step 3: Gather the contents of a project brief.
You will often receive a lot of project details, including pages upon pages of requirements, team biographies and invoicing instructions. It is important to go through all documentation to ensure that the project succeeds.
No matter what kind of project you manage, make sure to include the following items in your brief:
Project goals
The process or methodology that the client or team wants.
The team and their expertise
Expectations regarding deliverables, including iteration or collaboration when creating or revising them
Who are your client’s key stakeholders and, in particular, who are the main decision-makers
The time it will take for the client to review and give feedback.
Dependencies
Deadlines
Do not leave any of these brief items unanswered. You are responsible for creating the project plans. If you don’t, your project will hit a bump in its path and all eyes will be on you.
It is important to create a project brief from the beginning. This will allow you to get all stakeholders on the same page. If you don’t have a clear understanding of the decision-making process, you might encounter the “swoop-and-poop” scenario. This is when a stakeholder who you didn’t know enters the project at the last minute and poops on it, putting you back to square one. If you don’t do your research, it’s a nightmare budget- and timeline-wise that will soon become a reality.
Remember that you can only get as much information as possible. However, details can change. Make sure to record all information so that you can include it in your plan.
Step 3: Create a
