Implementation Planning

Guide for creating detailed implementation plans that break down complex projects into manageable phases with realistic dependencies and resource allocation.

When to Use This Skill

Activate when:

• Breaking down projects into implementable phases
• Creating task lists with dependencies
• Planning resource allocation across phases
• Estimating project effort and complexity
• Identifying critical paths and risks
• Defining milestones and deliverables

Planning Process

Phase 1: Project Analysis

1. Understand project scope and requirements
2. Identify major components and features
3. Analyze technical complexity and dependencies
4. Assess team capabilities and constraints

Phase 2: Task Decomposition

1. Break down features into implementable tasks
2. Identify dependencies between tasks
3. Group related tasks into logical phases
4. Define deliverables and success criteria

Phase 3: Dependency Mapping

1. Identify task-to-task dependencies
2. Map external dependencies
3. Determine critical path
4. Plan for parallel execution where possible

Phase 4: Resource Planning

1. Identify required skills and expertise
2. Allocate team members to phases
3. Plan for knowledge transfer
4. Define communication schedules

Phase Structure Template

## Phase [N]: [Phase Name]
**Duration**: [Estimate]
**Dependencies**: [Previous phases or external]

### Objectives
- Primary goal of this phase
- Key deliverables and outcomes

### Tasks
#### Task [N.1]: [Task Name]
- **Complexity**: Simple/Medium/Complex
- **Dependencies**: [Other tasks]
- **Description**: Detailed task description
- **Acceptance Criteria**:
  - [ ] Criterion 1
  - [ ] Criterion 2

### Deliverables
- [Specific deliverable 1]
- [Specific deliverable 2]

### Risks and Mitigation
- **Risk**: [Description]
  - **Probability**: High/Medium/Low
  - **Mitigation**: [Strategy]

Task Complexity Levels

• Simple: Configuration changes, minor fixes, simple UI updates
• Medium: New feature components, API endpoints, database schema changes
• Complex: Major feature implementation, system integrations
• Epic: Complete subsystems, major architectural changes

Standard Phase Templates

Foundation Phase

• Development environment setup
• CI/CD pipeline configuration
• Database schema design
• Basic project structure
• Initial security setup

Core Development Phase

• Core business logic implementation
• API development
• Database operations
• User interface development
• Component integration

Integration and Testing Phase

• End-to-end testing
• Performance testing
• Security testing
• User acceptance testing
• Bug fixing

Deployment Phase

• Production environment setup
• Deployment automation
• Monitoring and alerting
• Launch preparation
• Rollback planning

Estimation Factors

When estimating, account for:

• Base Implementation: Core development time
• Testing: 25-40% of implementation
• Code Review: 10-20% of implementation
• Documentation: 10-15% of implementation
• Integration: 15-30% depending on complexity
• Buffer: 20-30% for uncertainty

Key Principles

• Realistic Estimates: Base on actual complexity and capabilities
• Phased Approach: Structure work into logical, deliverable phases
• Dependency Management: Clearly identify and plan for dependencies
• Risk Consideration: Include buffer time and contingency plans
• Measurable Milestones: Define clear completion criteria
• Iterative Refinement: Plan for feedback and course correction