Phase 0: Pre-Initiation & Discovery

Phase 0: Pre-Initiation & Discovery

Modernization Overlay: Apply the 2026 Modernization Addendum controls (AI assist + RTG linkage) before phase exit.

Purpose

Validate the problem exists, understand market opportunity, and build the business case before committing resources.

Duration

2-4 weeks (parallel with other strategic initiatives)

Key Activities

0.1 Problem & Opportunity Research

• Lead: Product Manager (PM)

• Team: PM, Business Analyst, potential users/stakeholders

• Activities:

  • Conduct 10-15 user interviews to validate problem

  • Analyze competitive landscape (5-10 competitors)

  • Review existing solutions and their limitations

  • Identify market size and growth potential

  • Document pain points and user needs

Output Document: DISCOVERY-Market-Research-[ProductName].md

0.2 Preliminary Problem Statement

• Lead: PM

• Inputs: Research findings, stakeholder feedback

• Document: Problem statement (1-2 pages)

  • Problem description

  • Who has the problem

  • Current solutions and their limitations

  • Why this problem matters now

Output Document: DISCOVERY-Problem-Statement-[ProductName].md

0.3 Initial Solution Ideation

• Lead: PM with cross-functional team (max 5 people)

• Activities:

  • Brainstorm 3-5 possible solutions

  • Quick feasibility assessment (can we build this with our tech stack?)

  • Rough feature list for each solution

• Estimated effort (high/medium/low)

Output Document: DISCOVERY-Solution-Options-[ProductName].md

0.4 Executive Sponsorship & Commitment

• Lead: PM, supported by department head

• Activities:

  • Pitch to executive sponsor

  • Secure budget allocation

  • Confirm resource availability

  • Document business case (1-page summary with metrics)

Output Document: DISCOVERY-Executive-Approval-[ProductName].md

Key Questions Answered

• Is this problem real and worth solving?

• Is there a market for the solution?

• Can we differentiate from existing solutions?

• Do we have executive support and budget?

Success Criteria

✅ At least 5 customer interviews confirming problem

✅ Market size estimated (TAM/SAM/SOM)

✅ Executive sponsor identified and committed

✅ Rough budget approved ($XXX) ✅ Preliminary timeline confirmed (X weeks)

Tools Used

• Otter.ai / Fireflies (interview transcript capture)

• cogniaiz (theme clustering, pain-point tagging)

• Google Forms (surveys)

• Spreadsheet (competitive analysis)

• Figma (quick sketches)

• Google Docs (documentation)

Responsible Parties