# Epic planning

* **Outline:** A moment to present and clarify the new Epic.
* **Goal:** Ensure the whole team understands what needs to be done.
* **Duration:** 60 minutes.
* **Frequency:** Before starting a new Epic.

## How-to

1. Open the [Epic Design Document](https://handbook.catalpa.io/the-catalpa-handbook/5.-project-and-product-cycle-management/5.4-post-contract-implementation/stage-3-refine-and-release/epics#epic-design-document)
2. Read the Summary to make the goal clear to everyone
3. Go over each [User Story](https://handbook.catalpa.io/the-catalpa-handbook/5.-project-and-product-cycle-management/stage-2-create-and-ideate/the-guide/user-stories#how-to-write-a-good-user-story). For each: 
   1. Allow for a Q\&A and take relevant notes.
   2. Estimate using the Day, Days, Week scale.
4. Find dependencies or critical paths. 
5. Sort priorities according to value. **After:** \
   1\. Create a Milestone on Github for the new Epic \
   2\. Add all the User Stories as issues. Tag them as `user story` and associate them to the corresponding Milestone

{% hint style="info" %}
Hint: plan ahead and have this meeting at least 1 week before the ongoing Epic is due
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Check the [Epic Design Document template](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ev79g21SrUQCI8nf7OQPIYIV9fn2bIhah49K5MApLK8/edit) on Catalpa's Drive
{% endhint %}