⚡ Summary

• A Preliminary Working Document (PWD) is a working document to create an outline of scope, stakeholders, assumptions, constraints, tools, technology and development details for a certain idea.
• This document serves as a "rough sketch" of an idea to inform supporters about its intended mission.
• When creating a PWD, don't worry about making it perfect or completely accurate with financials and timelines. A PWD serves as a briefing document rather than a finalised proposal.
• Use AI tools like Notion AI and Chat-GPT to help develop a first draft using this guide.

📝 Format

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This is v1.2 of the PWD Format. View all our previous iterations here → Previous PWD Iterations

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✍️ Step 1: Executive Summary

⚠ Step 2: Define the Problem

🔭 Step 3: Scope of the Solution

🤔 Step 4: Assumptions, Constraints, and Risks

👩‍👩‍👧 Step 5: Stakeholders and Engagement Plan

⚙️ Step 6: Tools and Technology

📈 Step 7: Success Metrics

⏱️ Step 8: Outline a Timeline and Triggers

⁉️ Step 9: Key Questions

💡 Final Tips

• Keep it flexible: PWDs are meant to evolve.
• Don’t aim for perfection: Capture your current thinking, even if it’s rough.
• Use it as a briefing tool: For funders, collaborators, or early testers.