Cycles

We work in focused 6-week cycles, each with a clear objective. Time is fixed, so we adapt scope to fit the time available, not the other way around. This gives us clarity, urgency, and momentum.

Each cycle starts with a short planning phase where we prioritise what’s realistic to achieve. We don’t rely on backlogs or ongoing grooming, we shape work up front and commit to it for the cycle.

As the cycle progresses, we remain flexible and adjust the scope based on what we learn. If something takes longer than expected or if new risks emerge, we cut or simplify to stay on track.

Our approach is inspired by Shape Up, a framework that aligns with agile (small "a") principles but avoids some of the ceremony and rigidity of traditional Agile frameworks like Scrum. You could think of it as a six-week block of focused delivery, with a clear boundary and a shared goal.

This rhythm helps us stay focused, reduce overhead, and ship meaningful progress without getting lost in endless backlogs or sprint churn.

Down Tools

After each cycle, we take a deliberate one-week pause. This gives teams space to breathe and reset before the next round of focused delivery. Squad members can use this time to tackle tech debt, squash lingering bugs, prepare for upcoming work, or explore something new. It’s also a chance to invest in personal development or experimentation: whether that’s testing a tool, investigating an idea, or learning something that helps us grow.