How do I explain technical debt to stakeholders?

How do I explain technical debt to stakeholders?

You can start by defining technical debt as the cost of choosing an easy solution now instead of a better approach that would take longer.

What are some examples of technical debt?

Examples include outdated code, lack of documentation, and shortcuts taken during development that may require future rework.

How can I quantify technical debt for my presentation?

You can quantify it by estimating the time and resources needed to fix the issues, and comparing that to the potential benefits of addressing them.

What strategies can I use to communicate this effectively?

Use visuals like graphs to show the impact of technical debt over time, and relate it to business outcomes to make it more relatable.

How often should I discuss technical debt with stakeholders?

It's best to discuss it regularly, perhaps during project updates or planning sessions, to keep it on their radar.