Use this template to visualize your project and break it down into smaller tasks and deliverables so that you can complete your project efficiently and effectively.
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical structure that outlines the project scope and breaks down the work into smaller, more manageable components. It organizes and defines the project deliverables, individual tasks and sub-tasks, and project needs, providing a visual and structural framework for understanding the project's work elements.
The work breakdown structure template helps you:
- Center everything on your project’s north star
- Organize complex projects into a series of smaller tasks and workflows
- Visualize your whole project across every phase
- Define a clear hierarchy of manageable tasks to be accomplished
How to use the work breakdown structure (WBS) template
To use the Mural work breakdown structure template with your team, follow the steps outlined below.
1. Define the project scope
The first step in using the work breakdown structure template is to define the scope of work for your overall project. What departments, teams, and people will be involved? What are the main areas of focus? Include any relevant dates here to guide the project schedule.
2. Write down the different phases of your project
Use the second section of the template to map out the different phases of development, including any project tasks relevant to those phases below (e.g., if you have a ‘Planning’ phase, you may want to have tasks below like ‘Cost/benefit analysis’).
3. Add work packages associated with each project phase
What are the project processes and jobs to be done for each phase? Include the tasks specific to each work package that will ladder up to the overall goals of the phase.
4. Write down the activities tied to each work package
Here, the Mural breaks it down into tasks and subtasks — for example, if you have an activity tied to deploying a product, you may have subtasks that should be included, such as ‘Create environments,’ or ‘Build apps.’
Be sure to include the project needs associated with each work package. This will ensure you have the necessary resources for each project phase.
Tips for running a work breakdown workshop
To get the most out of your work breakdown structure session, you should:
- Have a clear picture of the scope of your project and stakeholders mapped out, so that you can engage the right project team members and avoid any blind spots
- Use Mural features like commenting or tags for sticky notes to add further context to tasks, or assign tasks to specific stakeholders within the mural
- Track your progress as your project evolves — your mural is a living document that should reflect the state of your project as you move through each phase, helping all stakeholders instantly grasp progress
