What to do when "only" the system should change
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Benjamin Brachert
Feb 9, 2021, 8:08:20 AM2/9/21
to Impact Mapping
Hi,
still trying to use Impact Mapping but don't get my head around some topics.
Let me try to explain.
I was participating in a refinement session. The topic of the session was, to replace parts of the whole system with parts of another system respectively a new system.
The reason for the change was a decision which was made long time ago. A lot of systems are already changed but I can't see the clear goal anymore.
Even worse, because the (End)user is telling me that he doesn't care what the (backend)system does, the most important part for him is that nothing changes in his user flow.
still trying to use Impact Mapping but don't get my head around some topics.
Let me try to explain.
I was participating in a refinement session. The topic of the session was, to replace parts of the whole system with parts of another system respectively a new system.
The reason for the change was a decision which was made long time ago. A lot of systems are already changed but I can't see the clear goal anymore.
Even worse, because the (End)user is telling me that he doesn't care what the (backend)system does, the most important part for him is that nothing changes in his user flow.
I don't see any chance to use Impact Mapping in this situation.
Any help would be great.
Klaus Kneupner
Feb 10, 2021, 1:59:18 AM2/10/21
to impact-...@googlegroups.com
It sounds to me like a good example of "goal displacement". Someone has a goal and everybody agrees on measures, task, etc. And then the original goal is getting displaced with "getting the measure to X" or "delivery of task M on time, on budget". The goal itself gets lost along the way.
Hence, I think the problem here isn't impact mapping, but the goal got lost. Stop wasting effort here until someone can double check whether the goal is reached or not. Or define a new goal. But replacing a system for its own clone is not a good gool.
One more thought: I am a big fan of "Theory of Constraints". Have a look for example here: http://www.jackvinson.com/blog/2017/8/25/necessary-but-not-sufficient-again. What you are describing is that with all the effort that is supposed to be invested you most likely not a single limitation is to be overcome ("nothing changes in his user flow").
If you would own the company you are working in: would you like to see your money spent on your activity here? If you wouldn't, then don't do it. At least communicate it up - there is a small chance that someone up in the hierarchy can remember the goal and get you back on track.
(just my 2p)
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Klaus Kneupner
"Denn von allen Gedanken, schätz' ich doch am meisten, die interessanten" Die Sterne
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