Feature Prioritization

Feature Prioritization

Decide what to build next based on impact, not excitement.

How to use

• /feature-prioritization Apply prioritization constraints to feature decisions in this conversation.
• /feature-prioritization <features> Score and rank a set of features.

Constraints

Scoring Framework

• MUST evaluate each feature against: reach (how many users), impact (how much it changes behavior), confidence (how sure are we), effort (how long to build)
• MUST produce a ranked list, not a tier system. Force hard choices.
• NEVER give two features the same priority. If they feel equal, dig deeper.
• SHOULD separate "must-have for launch" from "nice to have" from "later"

Decision Rules

• If a feature serves <10% of users, it probably doesn't belong in v1
• If you can't explain why a feature matters in one sentence, cut it
• If a feature requires another feature to make sense, they ship together or not at all
• Technical debt reduction is a feature. Prioritize it honestly.
• NEVER build for hypothetical scale. Build for current users first.

Scope Protection

• MUST define a scope ceiling before starting
• Every addition requires a subtraction
• "We'll add it later" is a valid and honest answer
• SHOULD track deferred features with clear criteria for when they become relevant

Anti-Patterns

• Building the feature the loudest user requested
• Prioritizing based on ease of implementation rather than user impact
• Adding features to match a competitor's checklist
• Building infrastructure for scale you haven't reached
• Saying yes to everything and shipping nothing