MoSCoW Method

Use it when you're staring at a backlog bursting with ideas and need to zero in on must-have features.

What is it?

The MoSCoW Method is a straightforward prioritization framework that sorts requirements into Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won't have categories.

Originating from agile coaches to help teams cut through project noise, it solves the problem of feature overload by forcing explicit trade-off decisions. Each category signals commitment: Must are non-negotiable essentials, Should add significant value without derailing the schedule, Could are nice-to-haves if time allows, and Won't are consciously deferred.

By clarifying scope from day one, MoSCoW prevents scope creep, aligns stakeholders on deliverables, and keeps teams razor-focused on high-impact work.

Why it matters?

Using MoSCoW drives growth by channeling your team's energy into the features that move key metrics, user activation, retention, and revenue. It clamps down on distractions, accelerates time-to-market for critical functionality, and builds stakeholder confidence through transparent trade-offs. With focus on must-wins, you ship faster, learn sooner, and iterate toward product-market fit at pace.

How it works

Growth co-pilot turns your toughest product questions into clear, data-backed recommendations you can act on immediately.

Gather Requirements

Compile every feature, user story, and request into a single list to get full visibility. Include stakeholder input so nothing important slips through the cracks.

Define Categories

Clearly label each item as Must, Should, Could, or Won't. Musts drive the core value; Shoulds improve the experience; Coulds are optional extras; Won'ts set boundaries.

Align Stakeholders

Run a quick workshop to agree on assignments, surface disagreements, and lock in scope. Use real data or user feedback to arbitrate disputes.

Balance the Backlog

Review Must items against your deadline and resources. If Musts exceed capacity, reclassify borderline items to Should or revisit scope.

Revisit and Adapt

At each sprint or milestone, re-evaluate categories. Shift items up or down based on progress and emerging insights to keep priorities sharp.

Frequently asked questions

Growth co-pilot turns your toughest product questions into clear, data-backed recommendations you can act on immediately.

What does MoSCoW stand for?

MoSCoW is an acronym for Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won't have, four priority buckets that force clear trade-offs in your scope.

What does MoSCoW stand for?

MoSCoW is an acronym for Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won't have, four priority buckets that force clear trade-offs in your scope.

How do I decide between a Should and a Could?

If a feature adds measurable user value but isn't critical for launch, label it Should. If it's purely nice-to-have without immediate impact, it's a Could.

How do I decide between a Should and a Could?

If a feature adds measurable user value but isn't critical for launch, label it Should. If it's purely nice-to-have without immediate impact, it's a Could.

Is MoSCoW only for software projects?

No. While popular in software, MoSCoW works for any project, marketing campaigns, hiring plans, event planning, where you need to prioritize deliverables.

Is MoSCoW only for software projects?

No. While popular in software, MoSCoW works for any project, marketing campaigns, hiring plans, event planning, where you need to prioritize deliverables.

How many items belong in each category?

There's no fixed count. Aim for a lean Must list that your team can deliver within your deadline, then fill Should and Could as bandwidth allows.

How many items belong in each category?

There's no fixed count. Aim for a lean Must list that your team can deliver within your deadline, then fill Should and Could as bandwidth allows.

What's the difference between Won't and Out of Scope?

Won't have in this cycle means you explicitly defer it now but may revisit later. Out of scope implies permanent exclusion.

What's the difference between Won't and Out of Scope?

Won't have in this cycle means you explicitly defer it now but may revisit later. Out of scope implies permanent exclusion.

You just mapped your backlog with MoSCoW. Now plug it into the CrackGrowth diagnostic to uncover hidden UX blockers in your Must list before you write a single line of code.

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