BMAD-METHOD/docs/learn-wds/course-explainers/module-03-YOUTUBE-SHOW-NOTES.md

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

<EFBFBD> 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! 💼