In the dynamic landscape of project management, the foundation laid before a project begins can often be the deciding factor between success and failure. On October 15th, 2024, TechSoup Connect Western Canada hosted an insightful event titled “Feasibility Studies 101: Increasing Project Success With Preliminary Evaluation.” The session featured Alida Horsley, a renowned user experience researcher and designer from Tandem Studios, who shared valuable insights into the art and science of feasibility studies and their crucial role in driving successful project outcomes.
Meet the Expert: Alida Horsley
Our guest presenter, Alida Horsley, the research and design lead at Tandem Studios, brought nearly a decade of experience in user experience research and design to the table. She articulated how UX design is instrumental in aligning projects with the needs of end users, operational capabilities, and business objectives. This alignment ensures that projects are not only efficient but also cater to both user satisfaction and business goals.
Understanding Feasibility Studies
Alida defined feasibility studies as comprehensive evaluations that assess a project’s viability and determine whether the expected return on investment justifies the initial costs. She outlined essential components of feasibility studies, including business operations, strategy, stakeholder relationships, user experience, technical and financial resources, market analysis, and brand impact.
The Advantages of Feasibility Studies
Delving deeper into the subject, Alida shared numerous benefits of conducting feasibility studies. These include minimizing risks, reducing biases, enhancing decision-making processes, and boosting operational efficiency. Most importantly, feasibility studies facilitate an early understanding of stakeholder and end-user perspectives, leading to stronger partnerships and more successful project outcomes.
Real-World Examples and Best Practices
Throughout her presentation, Alida provided compelling real-world examples showcasing the significant influence feasibility studies can have on a project’s direction. One striking case involved BC United (formerly the BC Liberal Party) and United Way BC, where a lack of proper preliminary evaluation resulted in brand confusion and public backlash. This example underscored the necessity of thorough planning and foresight in project management.
Engaging Stakeholders: Effective Interviews and Buy-In
A critical aspect of feasibility studies is conducting interviews with stakeholders, staff, and end users. Alida stressed the importance of active listening and capturing unbiased feedback to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project landscape. She also offered strategies for securing buy-in from relevant parties by clearly communicating the purpose, benefits, and expected outcomes of the study.
Crafting the Feasibility Report
A successful feasibility study culminates in a well-structured report that captures key findings. Alida emphasized the importance of creating an impactful executive summary, as it often becomes the primary reference point for stakeholders. This report should clearly outline the study’s main insights and recommendations for moving forward.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future
As the event wrapped up, participants engaged in a lively Q&A session, tackling specific queries and discussing further applications of feasibility studies in their work. Alida reinforced the essential role that feasibility studies play in mitigating project risks and building client trust.
By adopting a systematic, user-centered approach to feasibility studies, organizations can unlock new levels of project success. This methodology fosters an environment where informed decision-making and effective resource allocation lead to sustainable outcomes. The insights shared during “Feasibility Studies 101” remind us all—nonprofits and businesses alike—of the immense value that thoughtful, systematic project evaluation brings.
TechSoup Connect and Alida Horsley inspired attendees to explore how feasibility studies can enhance their projects, emphasizing that early investment in research lays the groundwork for greater achievements and innovations.