Alberta Variety Selection Tool
Crop Variety Selection Tool
Discovery + Product Blueprint Process
How we define the right scope, solution, budget, and roadmap before development begins
Today's Discussion
01
Our Planning Approach
Understanding our methodology for building effective digital solutions.
02
Applying to Crop Variety Selection Tool
How this framework can guide the development of Crop Variety Selection Tool
03
Recommended Next Step
Detailing the Discovery + Product Blueprint phase for immediate action.
How the Product Blueprint turns ideas into decisions
The planning phase is designed to answer the questions that matter before development begins.
1
Solution recommendation
The recommended format for Phase 1, such as a website tool, web app, or mobile app.
2
Scope & features
What belongs in the first release and what should be phased later.
3
Rollout strategy
A phased roadmap that protects the first release while leaving room to grow.
4
Budget & timeline
Guidance on likely cost range, timing, and the practical sequence of work.

Outcome: a standalone planning package that defines the recommended solution, phased scope, budget guidance, timeline guidance, and path forward.
What the Discovery + Product Blueprint includes
A structured planning document that defines the recommended direction for Phase 1 and the roadmap beyond it.
Core sections
  • Executive summary and business objectives
  • Audience overview and use cases
  • Recommended solution direction
  • Phase 1 scope and feature structure
  • Must-have vs nice-to-have priorities
  • Rollout strategy and roadmap
  • Budget guidance, timeline guidance, and build recommendation
Key decisions it helps answer
  • What should the first release include?
  • What belongs later?
  • What format fits best for Phase 1?
  • How should features be prioritized?
  • What is the likely scope, budget, and timeline?
Applying This Process to the Crop Variety Selection Tool
Project Context
A high-level look at the type of tool being considered
What the Product Blueprint Will Define
Format, scope, priorities, rollout, budget, and timeline
Recommended Next Step
Proceed into Discovery + Product Blueprint
Potential Solution Paths
At this stage, these are potential solution paths. The purpose of the Discovery + Product Blueprint is to determine which option is best suited to Phase 1.
1
Website tool
  • Lives on a website
  • Strong for simple browsing or filtering support
  • Fastest to launch
  • Best when the first release is straightforward and informational
2
Web app
  • Interactive browser-based product
  • Works well on desktop and mobile
  • Supports richer functionality and future growth
  • Often the strongest balance for a decision-support experience
3
Mobile app
  • Downloaded from an app store
  • Best when phone-specific functionality is critical
  • Highest cost and maintenance overhead
  • Usually best only when there is a clear reason to require it
Recommended next step
1
Today's discussion
High-level alignment on concept and goals
2
Discovery session
Structured planning session to gather requirements, priorities, and assumptions
3
Product Blueprint delivery
Documented scope, solution direction, rollout strategy, budget, and timeline guidance
4
Implementation planning
Move into design and development with clarity

The Discovery + Product Blueprint defines the right Phase 1 scope before development begins.