halfplanned

Halfplanned is a planning approach in which strategic objectives are defined, but detailed actions and schedules are only partially specified, with significant planning deferred to later stages or to iterative cycles. The term is not widely standardized and is used in management discussions and some agile contexts to describe a middle ground between fully prescriptive planning and purely emergent doing.

Origin and usage: The phrase halfplanned appears in online forums and thought pieces as a descriptive label rather than a formal methodology. Its usage varies; some practitioners use it to indicate rolling-wave or partially defined roadmaps.

Definition and characteristics: Core objectives defined; constraints and success criteria established; a backlog of tasks and milestones exists; planning is iterative and incremental; decision rights and governance are critical; risk is managed through staged commitments.

Applications: Used in startups, research, complex projects with uncertain requirements; compatible with agile and Lean Startup; requires clear communication, frequent reviews, and a decision-making process to avoid drift.

Advantages and drawbacks: Advantages include speed to start, adaptability, alignment with changing conditions; drawbacks include ambiguity, potential misalignment, and risk of scope creep if not controlled; requires disciplined backlog management and governance.

Examples: Software MVP planning with core features mapped; event setup with core timeline but flexible vendor schedules; urban pilot programs.

See also: rolling-wave planning, agile planning, emergent design, minimal viable product.