What is a project brief?

A project brief is a concise document that outlines the key elements and objectives of a project, typically written by a project manager. It serves as a roadmap for all stakeholders involved, providing a clear understanding of the project's scope, goals, timeline, and deliverables. This essential tool in project management helps align team members, clients, and other relevant parties by establishing a shared vision and setting expectations from the outset.

A well-crafted project brief acts as a reference point throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that everyone remains focused on the intended outcomes and can make informed decisions as the project progresses.

Here is a list of popular project management tools and software:

• Asana: a powerful tool that can help with managing campaigns, production, content, and more.
• Trello: for lovers of the Kanban board system. ("Kanban" is Japanese for "visual card"—think of it sort of like a digital sticky notes you move around).
• Jira: a must-use for teams working with engineers and in product development.
• Notion: perfect for those who like to use a variety of formats, Notion offers "blocks" that have different features, such as to-do checklists, tables, galleries, and toggles.

What is included in a project brief

A well-structured project brief typically includes several key components that provide a comprehensive overview of the project. The essential components of a project brief:

• Project title
• Background and context
• Target audience/end-users
• Timeline, dates, milestones
• Budget and resources
• Key stakeholders
• Specific objectives and goals
• Success criteria, key performance indicators (KPIs), and other metrics

Some other ideas you can include in your project brief include:

• Requirements
• Potential roadblockers
• Out-of-scope definitions
• Next steps

For more ideas, check out Type Chat, a chatbot that integrates directly into your document and talks to your writing.

How to write a project brief

Writing an effective project brief requires careful consideration and attention to detail.

To create a comprehensive brief, start by clearly defining the project's objectives and desired outcomes. Next, outline the scope of work, including specific tasks, milestones, and deliverables. It's crucial to identify key stakeholders and their roles within the project, as well as any potential constraints or limitations. Additionally, include a realistic timeline and budget to set clear expectations for all parties involved.

By following these steps and ensuring that all essential information is included, you'll create a solid foundation for project success and minimize the risk of misunderstandings or scope creep.

You can also use Type, an AI document editor and processor, to generate a project brief in a few clicks.

How to write a project brief in 7 steps

Here's how to go from our general template to a polished project brief in just a few simple steps:

1. Open up Type, click "New Document," and select the "Project brief" template from the gallery.
2. Under "Knowledge Sources," you can include links to any research, data, or resources you want to reference in your brief. This will give the writing AI more context to work with.
3. Hit "Generate," and watch as Type's AI creates a custom project brief for you in seconds.
4. Refine the brief with our Rewrite brushes. We recommend trying out the "Enhance readability" brush to make it easier for your teammates to review.
5. Add your own personal touches to complete the brief. If you need some inspiration, brainstorm ideas with Type Chat, the chatbot that lives right in your document.
6. When you're done, ask Type to review your brief for any grammar, spelling, or formatting issues.
7. Your brief is ready to go! Print your Type document or export it as a PDF, DOC, or HTML file.

Crafting a clear and comprehensive project brief is key to building successful campaigns. Let Type and our proven template help you create a brief that keeps your team aligned and on track.

Try Type out and see how easy it is to generate a professional, effective project brief in minutes.

Best practices and tips for writing a project brief

When crafting a project brief, keep these best practices and tips in mind to ensure clarity, effectiveness, and stakeholder alignment:

• Be concise yet comprehensive. Strike a balance between providing enough detail and keeping the document succinct. Aim for clarity without overwhelming readers with unnecessary information.
• Use clear, jargon-free language. Write in a way that all stakeholders can understand, regardless of their technical expertise.
• Include visual aids. Incorporate charts, graphs, or diagrams where appropriate to illustrate complex ideas or timelines more effectively.
• Seek input from key stakeholders. Involve relevant team members and clients in the brief creation process to ensure all perspectives are considered and represented.
• Make it adaptable. While the brief should provide a solid foundation, allow for some flexibility to accommodate unforeseen changes or developments during the project lifecycle.

By following these best practices, you'll create a project brief that serves as a valuable roadmap, fostering clear communication and alignment among all project participants.