Working Backwards: My Experience with the AWS Design Strategy

I recently participated in a Working Backwards session with AWS to discuss the potential for a new product. The product is still in its infancy, with nothing more than ideas floating around in the minds of several people around the company. The objective of a Working Backwards session is to help define scope, establish milestones, and get an official idea down on paper in the form of a press release and FAQ. This was the perfect time to hold a session, because we needed something tangible.

To get the most out of a Working Backwards session, you need to host it with the right people. Ideally you want representatives from every side of the organization, including development, support, sales, and product. Feel free to include any other stakeholders in the product as well. Getting input from different departments helps give depth to the definition and deliverables. In my session, we had a representative from all the different org units.

Getting Started

The meeting starts off with every person working individually to answer 5 questions. While answering these questions, use facts whenever possible, avoid any over-the-top statements, and avoid adverbs at all costs.

Your objective here is to answer these questions the best you can while maintaining the voice of…