1. Planning and requirements

During this step in the iterative process, you will define your project plan and align on your overall project objectives. This is the stage where you will outline any hard requirements—things that must happen in order for your project to succeed. Without this step, you run the risk of iterating but not hitting your goals. 

2. Analysis and design

During this step, you and your team will focus on the business needs and technical requirements of your project. If step one was the process of outlining your goals, step two is when you brainstorm a design that will help you ultimately hit those goals. 

3. Implementation

During the third step, your team will create the first iteration of your project deliverable. This iteration will be informed by your analysis and design, and should work to hit your ultimate project objective. The level of detail and time you spend on this iteration will depend on the project.

4. Testing

Now that you have an iteration, you will test it in whatever way makes the most sense. If you’re working on an improvement to a web page, for example, you might want to A/B test it against your current web page. If you’re creating a new product or feature, consider doing usability testing with a set of potential customers. 

In addition to testing, you should also check in with your project stakeholders. Ask them to weigh in on the iteration, and provide any feedback. 

5. Evaluation and review 

After testing, your team will evaluate the success of the iteration and align on anything that needs to change. Does this iteration achieve your project objectives? Why, or why not? If something needs to change, you can restart the iterative process by going back to step two to create the next iteration. Keep in mind that your initial planning and goals should remain the same for all iterations. Continue building upon the previous iteration until you get to a deliverable you’re happy with.

If you restart the iterative process, make sure everyone is still aligned on your project goals. The iterative process can take weeks or months, depending on how many iterations you run through. Centering your iteration on your project objectives every time you restart the iterative process can help you ensure you don't lose track of your north star.