Work breakdown template: split a project into tasks you can review
A simple work breakdown structure template: deliverables, then tasks small enough to finish and review in a few days, with an owner, estimate and done check for each.
Start with what you will deliver. Split each deliverable into tasks of one to three days. Give each task an owner, an estimate and a done check.
When to use it
After the scope is agreed and before dates are promised. It turns "build the new website" into work people can start.
The template
Work breakdown · [project] · [date]1. [Deliverable] 1.1 [Task] · [owner] · [estimate: best / likely / worst] · done when: [check] 1.2 [Task] · ...2. [Deliverable] 2.1 [Task] · ...REVIEW TASKS (do not forget these)- [Who reviews what, and how long it takes]TOTAL: [sum of likely estimates] + buffer [10–20%]
A filled example
Work breakdown · Pricing page launch · May 21. Page copy 1.1 Draft copy · Priya · 1 / 2 / 3 days · done when: covers all three plans 1.2 Legal check of plan names · Alex · 1 / 1 / 4 days · done when: approved in writing2. Page design 2.1 Wireframe · Sam · 1 / 1 / 2 · done when: approved by Dana 2.2 Final design · Sam · 2 / 3 / 5 · done when: desktop and mobile ready3. Build 3.1 Build page · Jordan · 2 / 3 / 5 · done when: works on Chrome, Safari, iPhone 3.2 Connect checkout · Jordan · 1 / 2 / 4 · done when: test purchase worksREVIEW TASKS- Dana reviews copy and design: 0.5 day each round, 2 roundsTOTAL: 12 likely days + 2 days review + 2 days buffer
The rule of thumb
If a task takes more than a week, split it. If you cannot say how you will know it is done, it is not a task yet. It is a topic.
Tips
- Deliverables first, tasks second. Nouns, then verbs.
- List review time. It is the work most plans forget.
- Use three estimates for anything new. The PERT calculator turns them into a range.
Where M-Tracker fits
In M-Tracker, each line becomes a task with its own brief and done checks, under the project and its milestones. Finished tasks get a first review against their brief, and real time is tracked against the estimate. No screenshots and no activity tracking.
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Questions people ask
What is a WBS?
A work breakdown structure: a project split into deliverables, then into smaller pieces of work. This is the simple, small-team version.
How small is too small?
Tasks under an hour usually belong in a checklist inside a bigger task.
Work you can trust, without redoing it.
Your team gets feedback before work reaches you, or your client.
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