Module 03 - Alignment & Signoff - Get Stakeholder Buy-In for Your Design Projects
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKjOLlU8UCE>

Struggling with the business side of design? Feel uncomfortable talking about money or negotiating contracts? This module teaches you how to get stakeholder buy-in and protect your projects with clear agreements.

*You'll learn:*
✅ The discovery discipline: Understanding before solving
✅ When you need stakeholder alignment (and when to skip it)
✅ Create compelling alignment documents with quantified ROI
✅ The 6 elements of alignment (Idea, Why, What, How, Budget, Commitment)
✅ Formalize commitment with professional contracts
✅ Protect scope and handle change orders professionally

*Free & open-source* | 55-75 minutes | Optional module

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 The Business Side Challenge
00:39 The Discovery Discipline
02:30 The 6-Element Toolkit
03:39 From Alignment to Contract
04:44 Becoming a Strategic Partner

🎯 Key Concepts

*Discovery Discipline* - Understand before you solve (measure twice, diagnose first)
*6 Elements of Alignment* - Idea, Why, What, How, Budget, Commitment
*Alignment Document* - Makes the case for why the project matters
*Signoff Documents* - External contracts or internal approval
*Scope Protection* - Clear boundaries, change order process

📚 Course Resources

🌊 *WDS Presentation:*
<https://whiteport.com/whiteport-design-studio/>

Project Pitch Guide:
<https://github.com/whiteport-collective/whiteport-design-studio/blob/main/docs/deliverables/project-pitch.md>

Service Agreement Templates:
<https://github.com/whiteport-collective/whiteport-design-studio/blob/main/docs/deliverables/service-agreement.md>

UX-Design channel in the BMad Discord Community:
<https://discord.gg/Pn63gAuX>

GitHub Discussions:
<https://github.com/whiteport-collective/whiteport-design-studio/discussions>

Previous Module: Module 02 - Installation & Setup
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYifpxFVVks>

Next Module: Module 04 - Product Brief
<https://youtu.be/yhKxkuLq1kQ>

Full Course:
<https://github.com/whiteport-collective/whiteport-design-studio/blob/main/docs/learn-wds/00-course-overview.md>

✅ *When to Use This Module:*
✅ Consultant pitching to client
✅ Employee seeking stakeholder approval
✅ You struggle with business conversations
✅ You've been stuck in scope creep

❌ *Skip if:* Building yourself with full autonomy

� *Discovery Discipline Flow:*
1. Discovery meeting → 2. Reflect → 3. Create pitch → 4. Present → 5. Iterate → 6. Get acceptance → 7. Generate contract → 8. Sign → 9. Proceed to Project Brief

✅ *Next Steps:*
1. Complete the 5 lessons
2. Follow Tutorial 03 to create alignment document
3. Practice with real or hypothetical project
4. Start Module 04 (or skip if you don't need alignment)

🎨 *About WDS*
AI-augmented design methodology by Mårten Angner (Whiteport, Sweden). Transforms designers into strategic leaders who confidently navigate business conversations and protect projects.

#DesignBusiness #ClientContracts #ScopeCreep #WDS #DesignROI #ProjectPitch

💼 *Remember:* Alignment isn't about being pushy. Contracts aren't about being defensive. They're about serving clients with clarity.

*Ready to master the business side of design? Watch the full module! 💼*