Kavandamisfaasis

Kavandamisfaasis is a term used in Estonian project management and product development to denote the development or planning phase in which a project is defined and prepared for implementation. The word derives from kavandama (to plan/develop) and faasis (in the phase), and is typically used in Estonian-speaking contexts to describe a set of activities that precede execution.

During the kavandamisfaasis, teams clarify requirements, assess feasibility and risks, estimate resources and timelines, select an approach or methodology, and establish governance and success criteria. Core outputs include a business case, project charter, high-level requirements specification, risk log, and a preliminary project plan or architecture concept. Prototypes or proof-of-concept work may be conducted to validate key assumptions.

In project lifecycles, kavandamisfaasis sits between ideation or discovery and implementation. It can occur as a distinct stage in traditional (waterfall) models or be integrated into iterative approaches, where planning activities occur in increments. The term interacts with general planning concepts in PMBOK and PRINCE2, and is sometimes equated with the design or discovery phase in cross-border methodologies.

Common challenges include incomplete or shifting requirements, stakeholder alignment, budget constraints, and uncertainty about technology choices. Effective kavandamisfaasis relies on transparent communication, structured workshops, and traceable decision records to prevent scope creep and facilitate smooth transition to implementation.