Start with idea. The entry pairs “Who needs this?” with “Question”. That pairing is useful only when it is clear why the context supports the state. An ambitious project can stall because the first task depends on decisions that have not yet been tested.
Begin with the constraint
Define one question to answer and a small artifact to build. Review what you learned before expanding the scope.
Example: Idea
The illustrative record contains who needs this?. Its state is question. Ask what evidence supports that state, which detail is still uncertain and whether the next person could understand it without reading a separate message thread.
Questions for a working review
- Define the decision the reader needs to make. For idea, use “Who needs this?” as the starting context.
- Find the source behind the example record. For idea, use “Who needs this?” as the starting context.
- Write down the open question before choosing a state. For idea, use “Who needs this?” as the starting context.
A small exercise
Take one recent personal project planning example from your own process. Write its context without using a status label, then add the label separately. If the two contradict each other, investigate the source before updating the record. Compare the result with “Prototype” in the demonstration to see which distinctions your process needs.
These are planning notes. The specimen is illustrative, and the preview does not process live work.
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