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Client Revisions Create Scope Creep Nightmares
Client revisions create scope creep nightmares when there's no structured process. GitScrum provides a revision workflow with designated columns for feedback, change request tracking in the backlog, and clear visibility that helps clients understand the impact of changes before they're committed.
The Client Revision Problem
How Revisions Spiral
REVISION SCOPE CREEP:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ THE REVISION DEATH SPIRAL │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ STAGE 1 - INNOCENT BEGINNING: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Client: "Can you make the button blue instead?" ││
│ │ Developer: "Sure, quick change" ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ STAGE 2 - CREEPING: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Client: "Actually, can we add a second button too?" ││
│ │ Developer: "Um, okay..." ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ STAGE 3 - AVALANCHE: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ Client: "And the second button should open a modal" ││
│ │ Client: "With a form inside" ││
│ │ Client: "That integrates with our CRM" ││
│ │ Developer: "This is a new feature, not a revision!" ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ RESULT: │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • Original task: 2 hours ││
│ │ • Final time: 2 weeks ││
│ │ • Budget: Blown ││
│ │ • Timeline: Missed ││
│ │ • Relationship: Strained ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Structured Revision Workflow
Board Setup for Revisions
| Column | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Client Feedback | New revision requests land here |
| Under Review | PM evaluating scope and impact |
| Approved | Revisions accepted, in queue |
| In Progress | Currently being implemented |
| Client Review | Completed, awaiting approval |
Revision Management Process
Handling Change Requests
REVISION REQUEST WORKFLOW:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ STRUCTURED CHANGE MANAGEMENT │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ STEP 1: CAPTURE │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • Client submits revision in designated column ││
│ │ • Task created with clear description ││
│ │ • Label: "revision-request" ││
│ │ • Link to original task affected ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ STEP 2: EVALUATE │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • PM categorizes: Minor tweak vs. new scope ││
│ │ • Developer estimates effort ││
│ │ • Impact on timeline assessed ││
│ │ • Add comment with evaluation ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ STEP 3: COMMUNICATE │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ If minor (<30 min): Include in current scope ││
│ │ If significant: Present options to client: ││
│ │ A) Add to project with timeline/budget impact ││
│ │ B) Swap with equal-effort planned feature ││
│ │ C) Add to future phase ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
│ STEP 4: EXECUTE │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│
│ │ • Approved revisions move to sprint ││
│ │ • Track separately from original estimate ││
│ │ • Document in task: "Added via revision request" ││
│ │ • Update project timeline if needed ││
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘│
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Client Visibility
Why Visibility Helps
- Clients see the queue - Understand their request is tracked
- Effort is documented - Changes have visible cost
- Trade-offs are clear - "To add X, we remove Y"
- History is preserved - Record of all changes made
- Accountability both ways - Clear approval trail