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shape-up

Shape product work into fixed time boxes with defined appetites.

18|3|Updated Jan 15, 2026
Search Tags:#betting#scope#product-management#time-boxing#shape up#shaping#hill-charts
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/wdavidturner/product-skills --skill shape-up
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: shape-up
Source: https://github.com/wdavidturner/product-skills/tree/main/skills/shape-up
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wdavidturner/product-skills --skill shape-up

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

Shape Up helps product teams escape estimate-driven development and Scrum fatigue by fixing time boxes, variable scope, and collaborative shaping. It provides a disciplined alternative to traditional backlog and estimation, enabling teams to ship meaningful work within a cycle.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Shaping sessions: Product, design, and engineering collaborate to define a pitch that fits within a fixed appetite and yields 10 or fewer concrete pieces.
  • Betting over backlogs: Leadership selects which pitches to fund, using explicit appetite and time-bound commitments.
  • Building with ownership: Teams build in fixed time boxes (typically 6 weeks), track progress with hill charts, and take a cool-down between cycles.
  • Phases and outputs: Shaping, Betting, and Building produce a pitch document that describes the problem, appetite, proposed solution, and moving pieces.

Quick Start

  • Gather a 3-hour shaping session with product, design, and engineering to narrow the problem, generate 10 or fewer moving pieces, and agree on an appetite.
  • Write a pitch that includes the problem, appetite, solution sketch, rabbit holes, and no-gos.
  • At kickoff, map the shaped pitch to 9 implementation scopes and confirm the time box fits.

Frequently Asked Questions about shape-up

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How does shape up methodology fix unpredictable product delivery?▼

Shape up fixes unpredictable delivery by setting a fixed time box and shaping variable scope. Product, design, and engineering collaborate to define an appetite and produce a pitch with 10 or fewer moving pieces.

What is betting in product management and how does it replace backlogs?▼

Betting replaces traditional backlogs by having leadership select and fund specific pitches. Teams commit to explicit appetites and time-bound cycles, ensuring resources target only shaped, ready-to-build work.

How do I run a shape up shaping session for product teams?▼

Run a 3-hour shaping session with product, design, and engineering. Narrow the problem, agree on a fixed appetite, generate 10 or fewer moving pieces, and write a pitch detailing the solution, rabbit holes, and no-gos.

How do hill charts work for tracking progress in fixed time boxes?▼

Hill charts track building progress within fixed time boxes by visualizing work as uphill problem-solving and downhill execution. They help teams monitor scope and delivery during the building phase.

Can I use shape up methodology for small features or only large projects?▼

Shape up applies to any work that fits a defined appetite and fixed time box, typically 6 weeks. You must shape the scope to 10 or fewer moving pieces, ensuring the pitch is manageable before betting.

When should I not use shape up methodology for product planning?▼

Avoid shape up if work cannot be collaboratively shaped into 10 or fewer moving pieces or lacks a clear appetite. It requires dedicated shaping sessions and leadership betting, unsuited for unstructured, ad-hoc tasks.

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