Can Your IT Project Name Help You?

Even the smallest aspects of a software project can help you go a long way. For example, the project’s name. Your project’s name isn’t typically a priority when it comes to a stakeholder’s decision. However, in some instances, it could just be the winning factor that seals the deal.

Does the Name of Your Software Project Matter?

The name of your software or IT project may not seem to mean much, but it could actually help or hinder adoption among important stakeholders. Some CIOs have mentioned that they didn’t pay much attention to the project name and preferred to focus on its business value instead. As long as it exhibits the business value and understands use cases, these folks believe it’s fine.

Meanwhile, other CIOs have mentioned that name does matter, especially since it determines how well stakeholders in other departments or on boards can understand the value of the project. Furthermore, a catchy name can help get attention and stand out from competing projects during the socialization process.

The goals of the project are one of the first things that stakeholders may consider once they learn more about your project. When naming your IT project, you can use this to your advantage. Equipping your project with a name that clearly displays its goals and outcomes offers more clarity and authority from a stakeholder’s point of view. This may encourage them to support your IT project, as it presents your goals and the possible business value that can be generated from investing in it.

How To Name Your IT Project To Generate Buy-ins

With all this in mind, how can you create the ideal name for your IT project? We have provided a simple set of guidelines for you to use as a reference.

1. Golden Circle Method – Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle method is a great resource for when you’re brainstorming which keywords to use in the name. Think about the “How, Why, and What” of your project. From there, come up with a list of keywords and begin mixing and matching them until you find a cohesive and catchy name.
2. Creative Storytelling – If you still haven’t figured out your name, turn your project’s goals into a brief story. Take the keywords or elements from those stories and list them down as options.
3. Technology – When all else fails, turn to technology. There are many automated name generation tools available on the internet which provide tons of options once you have entered your desired keywords.

What to Consider When Choosing an IT Project Name

Once you’ve chosen your project’s name, it’s time to do some final polishing. Here’s a brief list of tips you should keep in mind when naming your project.

• Name your project after the outcome, not the process. Sourcing a project name from the software or resources used makes it sound generic and decreases clarity.
• Avoid names that are too technical or hard to pronounce.
• Do a thorough check if there is another project with a similar or identical name before presenting it to your stakeholders.
• As much as possible, keep the name catchy and concise. Say the name out loud to make sure it sounds good.
• Always ask for a second opinion.

What’s in a Name?

So do you have the answer to William Shakespeare’s oft-quoted question, “What’s in a name?”

Your IT project’s name may play a larger role than you think in catching your stakeholders’ attention and gaining their support. Are you struggling to come up with a name? Feel free to come back to this blog as a reference or message us directly. At ENO8, we’re always happy to help.