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Min specs

Min Specs helps groups innovate with clarity and purpose by identifying only the essential rules that must be followed. 
What Is Made Possible
  • Freedom within boundaries: By defining just a few must-do and must-not-do rules, teams gain the freedom to explore creative solutions while staying aligned with core principles.
  • Clarity and focus: It eliminates unnecessary constraints (the “Max Specs”) that often stifle innovation, allowing teams to concentrate on what truly matters.
  • Shared responsibility: Participants co-create the Min Specs based on real-world experience, which builds ownership and accountability.
  • Boosted performance: With only 2–5 clear rules, teams can move faster and more confidently, knowing they’re acting responsibly and purposefully.
  • Playful discipline: Like the Ten Commandments, Min Specs are enabling constraints—they guide behavior without micromanaging it, making it possible for the group to “go wild” within a safe structure.

  • Time needed

    35-55 minutes

  • Preparation

    1. Miro Board (online) or paper (F2F)
    2. Split into medium groups (4-7 people) - prepare the rooms online in Teams

  • How to start

    1. Define new challenge, initiative or product
    2. Define list of Maximum Specs by asking to generate the entire list of do’s and don’ts for it to be a success
    3. Start reducing the list to minimum by asking: “If we broke or ignored this rule, could we still achieve our purpose?”

  • Step-by-step and timing

    1. Generate the list of all must-do and must-not-do activities (Max Specs), at first alone for one minute then consolidate and expand in the small group for five minutes. Make list as complete as possible in a short time. (6 min)
    2. Each small group tests each spec on its Max Spec list against the purpose statement. If the spec can be violated and the purpose still achieved, the spec is dropped from the list (15 min)
    3. Do a second round if needed (15 min)
    4. Compare across small groups and consolidate to the shortest list (15 min)

  • Hints

    1. Clearly define challenge - it must be tangible
    2. Start with a complete list of dos
    3. Include as many players/stakeholders as possible
    4. Be ruthless in dropping dos: don’t allow max specs to creep in

  • Examples of use

    1. Evaluate and decide what is absolutely essential for success
    2. Focus or redirect resources and energies where it matters
    3. Simplify strategy in fast moving markets

  • Link with other Liberating Structures

    Link with:

    9 Whys

    Simple etnography

  • Link to Liberating Structures page

    Min specs

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