How to Scope a Custom Blockchain Project
Most blockchain projects that blow their budget and timeline didn't fail in development — they failed in scoping. Vague requirements, unstated assumptions, and no clear line between "proof-of-concept" and "production" are what turn a three-month build into a year-long slog. Scoping well is unglamorous, but it's the phase that determines whether everything after it goes smoothly. Here's how to do it properly. Start before the technology: define the problem The first scoping mistake is starting with "we want to build on blockchain" instead of "here's the problem we're solving." Scope the problem first: What exactly are you trying to achieve, and for whom? Who are the parties involved, and what's the trust relationship between them? What does success actually look like in measurable terms? And the question a good partner forces early: does this genuinely need a blockchain? If there's no multi-party trust prob...