Project PowerPlay: Design Phase

Scenario: I am creating a gaming desktop to run my Sims games on. I want it to run smoothly with no lagging and no overheating.

The Design Phase is crucial in any project, and for Project PowerPlay, it involves:

1. Scoping the ideas into a comprehensive plan.
2. Developing a list of deliverables and work items.
3. Analyzing the risk of each deliverable.
4. Figuring out what to prioritize in the product schedule.

Scoping the Project

For Project PowerPlay, the North Star is:
To create the most versatile and immersive gaming desktop experience, tailored for simulation game enthusiasts, including The Sims community, ensuring peak performance, customization, and future-proofing capabilities.

With this vision in mind, I considered various features I was excited to incorporate, such as having my PC alert me of new expansion packs for The Sims. However, after evaluating this feature against the North Star, it became clear that it wouldn't contribute to the success of my gaming desktop. Instead, it would simply be a nice customization option.

Trimming down ideas to a minimum viable product, the next focus was developing a list of deliverables.

Developing the Deliverables

Deliverables are tasks that, once completed, lead to the creation of a successful product. For Project PowerPlay, the deliverables include but are not limited to:

1. Purchase a GPU:
   • Ensure it is powerful enough to handle The Sims games at maximum settings.
2. Decide on Customization Options:
   • Determine how customizable you want to make your gaming PC (RGB lighting, custom cooling, etc.).
3. Select an Operating System:
   • Decide whether to run on Windows, Linux, or a dual-boot setup.
4. Choose a CPU:
   • Find a CPU that will complement the GPU for optimal gaming performance.
5. Plan for Cooling:
   • Ensure the system has sufficient cooling to prevent overheating.
6. Build a Storage Solution:
   • Select an SSD or HDD with enough capacity for your gaming needs.

Analyzing the Risks

Once the deliverables were identified, evaluating the risks associated with each work item was essential. For this project, one of the primary risks was the selection of hardware components.

Key Risk: Hardware Compatibility

As I searched for hardware components, I quickly realized the issue of hardware compatibility. I often found myself liking one hardware product but not the component it was compatible with. To mitigate this risk, I decided to:

• Plan the build carefully.
• Confirm the compatibility of hardware components before making any purchases.

Prioritizing in the Product Schedule

The product schedule requires thoughtful prioritization to ensure a smooth build process. In the next blog post, I'll discuss the project schedule and how we prioritized different tasks to create an efficient timeline.

Stay tuned for more insights on Project PowerPlay's journey!

Conclusion

Overall, the Design Phase lays the foundation for the entire project, so it's crucial to thoroughly examine every detail related to the vision. Scoping ideas, listing deliverables, and analyzing risks provide a roadmap that will ultimately lead to a successful gaming desktop build.

Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!

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