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shape-up

Implement Shape Up methodology with 6-week cycles and betting tables.

145|28|Updated Jan 31, 2026
Search Tags:#project management#agile#product development#scrum#basecamp#shape up
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/guia-matthieu/clawfu-skills --skill shape-up-guia-matthieu
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: shape-up
Source: https://github.com/guia-matthieu/clawfu-skills/tree/main/skills/product/shape-up
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/guia-matthieu/clawfu-skills --skill shape-up-guia-matthieu

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill helps teams escape the "build trap" of endless backlogs and inefficient development cycles by implementing Basecamp's Shape Up methodology, focusing on fixed time and variable scope.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Shaping Work: Define problems and rough solutions at the right level of abstraction before building.
  • Setting Appetites: Commit to a fixed time budget for a project, rather than estimating.
  • 6-Week Cycles: Work in focused, 6-week building cycles followed by 2-week cooldowns.
  • Betting Tables: Prioritize work based on shaped pitches during cooldown.
  • Scope Hammering: Dynamically manage scope to ensure delivery within the fixed time.
  • Use Case: A product team struggling with scope creep and missed deadlines can use this Skill to adopt a structured approach to planning and executing feature development, leading to more predictable and timely releases.

Quick Start

Use the shape-up skill to help me shape this feature idea: "Add user profiles to the app".

Frequently Asked Questions about shape-up

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How does the Shape Up methodology help escape the build trap in product development?▼

Shape Up methodology escapes the build trap by enforcing fixed time, variable scope, and appetite-driven development to prioritize meaningful work and eliminate endless backlogs. This ensures teams ship features predictably.

How do I shape a feature idea before committing to a development cycle?▼

You shape a feature idea by defining problems and rough solutions at the right level of abstraction before building, moving from raw concepts to structured pitches ready for a betting table.

What is the difference between Shape Up and traditional agile or scrum development?▼

Unlike agile or scrum, Shape Up replaces continuous estimation with fixed time budgets called appetites, running focused 6-week cycles followed by 2-week cooldowns to ensure predictable delivery.

How do betting tables work for prioritizing product development work?▼

Betting tables prioritize product development by selecting shaped pitches during a 2-week cooldown period, allowing teams to commit fixed time budgets only to fully scoped problems.

How do I manage scope creep during a fixed time development cycle?▼

You manage scope creep during fixed time cycles by using scope hammering techniques, dynamically narrowing project variables to ensure delivery remains strictly within the allocated appetite.

Can I use Shape Up for a small product team struggling with missed deadlines?▼

Yes, small product teams struggling with missed deadlines can use Shape Up to adopt structured 6-week cycles and appetite-driven development, leading to more predictable and timely releases.

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