Toolkit/shield
Scope Freeze Protocol
Make 'scope freeze' mean something concrete.
protectionfreezerules
Purpose: Make "scope freeze" mean something concrete in the system. It is a mathematical state, not a gentlemen's agreement.
Tone:Clear. Calm. Authority without aggression.
The Protocol State
When it Starts
The moment the Delivery Owner clicks Go Live and the project enters the Live state.
When it Ends
When the Accelerator Phase (e.g., MVP) meets its Definition of Done, or when a Change Forum explicitly voids the baseline.
Engagement Rules
- Allowed: Bug fixes against the agreed Acceptance Criteria.
- Not Allowed: 'Minor tweaks' or 'quick additions' to the UI/UX or data model.
- Redirection: New ideas are logged in the project backlog for the next Phase Gate.
- Enforcement: The Delivery Owner is the sole enforcer.
The Mantra
Scope freeze does not prevent change. It prevents invisible change.