Create your first project

Projects are the main way to organise work in Northstar.

A project brings together a goal, an owner, milestones, team members, and the work required to achieve an outcome.

[IMAGE: Example Northstar project page for “Launch mobile application”.]

Create a project

1. Open Projects from the main navigation.

2. Select New project.

3. Enter a project name.

4. Add a short description.

5. Choose a project owner.

6. Select a target date.

7. Select Create project.

Your new project opens immediately.

Write a clear project goal

A good project goal describes the outcome you want to achieve rather than simply the work you intend to do.

For example:

Less useful

Redesign the onboarding screens.

Better

Increase the percentage of new customers who complete onboarding successfully.

This makes it easier for people outside the project team to understand why the work matters.

Add a project summary

The project summary appears near the top of the project page.

Use it to explain:

• What you're trying to achieve

• Why the project matters

• Who the project is for

• What is included

• What is not included

[IMAGE: Project overview with goal, owner, target date and project summary highlighted.]

Add milestones

Milestones represent important points in the project.

For example, a product launch project might include:

1. Prototype approved

2. Private beta

3. Public beta

4. General availability

To create a milestone:

1. Open the project.

2. Select Add milestone.

3. Enter a name.

4. Choose a target date.

5. Select Save.

Add team members

People added to a project can receive updates and participate in project discussions.

To add someone:

1. Open the project.

2. Select Members.

3. Select Add member.

4. Search for their name.

5. Select Add.

Update the project status

Northstar uses project statuses to give everyone a quick view of progress.

We recommend updating your project status at least once a week.